As the new year approaches and we say goodbye to the days past, I reflect on what we were able to accomplish with your help.  Find a quiet moment, sit back, and read the comments shared from the parents of the girls we are able to guide and support at Angel Faces -- all because of YOUR support, dedication, and believing in us which allows us to believe in the girls.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Happy New Year!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Linda, Caitlyn's grandmother who recently adopted Caitlyn:

Lesia, I wanted to share what I have seen about Caitlyn since the retreat.

Caitlyn is more independent and is willing to try new adventures. She walks with her held up and not down. She is now caring and helpful to others in need. Even while she was still wearing her garments and face mask, she would see someone in a wheel chair in a store having a hard time reaching something from the top shelf so she would rush over to get it down for him/her.

She holds doors open for others. She is not afraid to ask for help if she needs it.  She has dreams of what she wants to do when she grows up, and she thinks things out for herself. Caitlyn has a smile most of the time and is not afraid to express her feelings.  I am so lucky to have Caitlyn in my life and know she is safe and thriving.  THANK YOU ANGEL FACES!

From Jeff and Monica, Larisa's parents:

We want you to know that we appreciate so much all you have done for Larisa!!!  Yes, she was tired when we picked her up, but it was a 'happy tired'.  She loved her time and experience out there! 

Thank you for all you have done not only for Larisa but also for many other girls who lives you have drastically influenced for the good!  Thanks - Jeff & Monica

From Sarah, Bethany's mother: 

There have been times that I have often wondered if my daughter, Bethany, would have a normal teen life.  Such as a date for the prom or a steady boyfriend.  Will she ever marry and find someone who sees past her scars and love her for WHO she is.  I more so have worried that she too has these thoughts. These are normal for teens and parents alike, but more troubling for those who have facial scarring because we are such a superficial world today.                                         

Watching Beth before then seeing her after she attended the Angel Faces Retreat, I have been released of my worries.  I have confidence that she will indeed do all of the things listed above and more so! Her confidence level is off the charts! When people say things or stare at her in public, she smiles and then tells them her story of why she has the scars.  This puts everybody at ease.  

Beth no longer worries about her scars.  One day, we were discussing her burns and scars.  I apologized to her for her injuries and the struggles she has to endure on a daily basis.  I also explained that if there was a way I could take back that one day I would do it.  She stopped me mid sentence and said, "Mom, here's the deal!  My scars are WHO I am.  Without them I would not be me.  No one is perfect, we all are different.  So, please stop apologizing!!"  This was a wake up call for me.  As parents, we are the ones children should seek out for widom.  In this ca

se the roles were reversed.  Here my teenage daughter was setting me straight on how it should be, and she was RIGHT!!

Rachel, Larisa, and Bethany

For eleven years I have held her burn anniversary date as a day of regret and mourning. It has been through her words in a letter written at Angel Faces that I have now buried that bubble of gloom.  I still have her, a better stronger Bethany.  

I feel if it hadn't been for Angel Faces, Beth and I would still be in the same rut as most of the world, seeing the outside more than the inside of people.  Getting past her tragedy makes her a survivor.  With what she brought back from Angel Faces, she has taught many to move past her scars.

Angel Faces is helping to create stronger women who will succeed great leaps in life.  I am proud to state that my child and a couple others I have met will be a part of those successful women!

Thank you Angel Faces for making a difference in my child and the world in which she will live!

Sincerely,

Sarah