At just 18, Katie Stubblefield attempted suicide, leaving her with devastating facial injuries. Though she survived, her face was nearly destroyed.
Three years later, at age 21, she became the youngest person in the U.S. to receive a full face transplant. The 31-hour surgery at Cleveland Clinic rebuilt her face using donated tissue from a 31-year-old woman.
Katie faced a long road to recovery—learning to speak, eat, and smile again. Through it all, she remained determined, grateful to be alive, and now hopes to become a counselor and motivational speaker.
Her journey is a moving reminder of resilience, medical miracles, and the power of second chances.
