Surgery Will Help 15 Year Old With Facial Deformity-Stacy Case

A Murfreesboro teenager is about to get a potentially life changing surgery.

Jade Arthur was born with a facial deformity that's caused her untold ridicule.

This surgery will open up so many possibilities for her, including the ability to make lots of friends.

Jade says, "I like to know that people are comfortable around me.. they might not be because seeing me.. they might not be so I want to try to make them as comfortable as I can."

The 9th grader was born with what's called Hemangioma-flat red blotches that quickly grew into a tumor covering her face.

By first grade, she'd already had 10 operations by world renowned surgeon Dr. Milton Waner.

But with the majority of her deformity gone, the teasing seemed here to stay.

"Field trips nobody wanted to sit next to her. Lunch time nobody wanted to sit next to her. She was so happy and always wanting to play and after you're told no enough times.. it changes who you are."

Worried not so much about the physical scars, but the emotional ones.

Mom homed schooled Jade from 4th grade on waiting for her to reach what
doctor's consider the physical maturity for a final reconstructive surgery.

"We had planned for it, we didn't know how it was going to happen."

Because insurance classifies the operation as cosmetic, the Arthur's have been on a 2 year journey to come up with the $10,000 necessary.

One large donation fell through after the donor because a victim of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme.

Back at square one, the doctor who's been there for them 10 times before decided to do it for free, this time.

"I want her to go to college and get a job.. and drive a car .. just normal things.. be happy."

The surgery that's been a long time coming is now, just one month away.

Finally, this articulate, hopeful young girl
will look just as normal as she feels.

The doctor is in New York, so Jade will be going on a trip.

She says she's more excited about visiting the Big Apple than the surgery.

She'll be there for 12 days for the procedure, recovery and follow up.

Everything's covered, except taxi's and food, which can add up quickly in New York.

If you'd like to help, you can donate through the "Because I Care" foundation.

Click on the FOX Links section of this website and look for Jade's Surgery.Surgery Will Help 15 Year Old With Facial Deformity-Stacy Case