Dearest Friends and Supporters: 

This could have been a difficult letter to write - and for you to read. There are many worthy organizations asking people to support their cause. It's a terrible irony that needs increase as resources decrease in a slumping economy. 

But I found this letter less challenging to write because of a tremendous success story I have to share with you. It's a demonstration of the difference that Angel Faces and our dedicated supporters, donors, and volunteers are making. 

This is "the rest of the story" about Angel Faces participant, Calais Weber. (You can click here to read the heart-rending first newsletter about Calais' burn experience.) Through a rigorous screening process, Calais was selected to participate in a program at Wellesley College called "Let Me Speak."  She was the first person in the program to speak specifically on the topic of boundaries, emotional and physical scars.  To demonstrate her points, she referred to her accident and severe burn injuries.   See the speech on our home page: www.angelfacesretreat.org.  

To quote Calais: "Angel Faces gave me my life back, and I mean that in the truest sense. I know that no matter what I end up doing in my life, I will do it as a whole, happy person." 

Today, in her junior year, Calais serves as her hall's House President and as President of House Presidents' Council. She rows as a member of the Varsity Crew team. She has been selected as an executive board member of Unity, the student leader organization that works directly with the administration on campus issues. 

I hope you find Calais' success as compelling as we do. It's a glorious reminder of how Angel Faces has a positive impact on the girls that attend. Calais' story would make an inspiring movie - but we have dozens of girls whose stories would (and sometimes do) bring us to our knees.  Calais' story is special, but it should not be unique. 

Please help Angel Faces continue to provide opportunities for adolescent girls with facial differences to gain the tools and skills to face life's challenges and struggles with a renewed spirit and heightened sense of self-worth. 

Your tax-deductible charitable contribution to Angel Faces assures the promise of a better future for the lives of these young girls who have incredible challenges - challenges we teach them to embrace and overcome.    

My heart wishes you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season.   

With great appreciation and best regards, 

Lesia Cartelli
Founder and Director

Lesia and Calais