The 911 dispatcher says it was the worst call she'd ever gotten, but now, about 10 years later, the baby girl who was mauled in her crib by a pet raccoon has a new lease on life. Earlier this week, Charlotte Ponce of Spring Lake, Michigan, underwent intense microsurgery -- doctors will be working with the 10-year-old over the next two years to reconstruct her nose, ear, and cheek, which were bitten off in the raccoon attack.
Right now, after this first operation, her nose looks brown and bulbous, but when the doctors are done, they hope she'll look 100 percent perfect. Even though the medical treatments she's receiving are extremely inspiring, the best part about this story is Charlotte's attitude. You will not believe how brave she is.
Charlotte's biggest complaint about the invasive, arduous, hours-long surgery? That she's not able to ride her bike right afterward. And what about the fact that she doesn't look like everyone else right now? Eh, no big deal, says her mother -- Char's use to the strange looks and takes it all in stride. And how does she feel? "I'm OK and I have a nose," she told reporters.
This girl has quite the head on her shoulders. She's clearly learned to brush off any long stares and/or let any snide comments roll off her back. It's certainly a tough lesson for any kid, no one wants to be made fun of for being different, but it sounds like Charlotte is thriving regardless of her old nose, or her new nose.
It's awesome that Charlotte has doctors who treat her like their own, and who are dedicated to making her face look like it was never injured in the first place. It's also wonderful that her town raised money for the remaining cost of her surgery that wasn't covered by insurance.
The doctors are really pleased with her first surgery, which makes everyone optimistic that in two years, Charlotte will look unrecognizable ... in a good way.
What do you think about this story?
Photo via abcnews.com
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Comments 35
aww poor child I hope this all works for her .
Why people keep animals that clearly belong in the wild as pets is beyond me. So irresponsible to have wild animals in the house with children, this poor girl.
I was thinking the same thing Billie, but I am sure they've learned that the hard way.
This is what most of us were trying to say in the "cute" little "Baby Raccoon Invasion Is So Ridiculously Cute I Can't Stand It" post. Wild animals do NOT belong inside. What were these people thinking about???
Thank God this little girl has persevered and has the good and positive attitude she has. Bless her.
Sorry, I meant to link this.