A New Face for Marlie Casseus (Photos and Video)
16-year-old Marlie Casseus has undergone four surgeries to remove an 18-pound tumor that covered almost her entire face and hampered her breathing. The entire process was chronicled on the Discovery Health Channel’s A New Face for Marlie.
Marlie suffers from McCune-Albright syndrome (polyostotic fibrous dysplasia), a genetic disorder of bones, skin pigmentation and hormonal problems, along with premature puberty. The growth completely disfigured her facial features, causing her to become reclusive to avoid scorn and repulsion in her native country of Haiti. Most people there believed Marlie’s disfigurement was the work of the devil.
With most of her mouth and nasal passages blocked, Marlie was only able to eat and breathe through one very narrow passage. The tumor began to close on her throat and made breathing difficult. It would have also eventually caused blindness.
All four surgeries were performed at the Holtz Children’s Hospital, at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center in Florida, and documented for the television program.
The International Kids Fund partnered with Good Samaritan for a Better Life to fund Marlie’s surgeries, which began when she arrived in Miami with a tracheotomy to insert a breathing tube.
After her surgeries, doctors indicated that Marlie might required further cosmetic surgeries at a later date, but said the growth would not return.
The first words Marlie uttered when the tracheotomy was removed were “thank you.”
View photos and video below.
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Filed under: Across the Nation
I hope you are perfect soon Marlie!
God bless you!
Love, Andie
I saw this story on Discovery channel tonight and cried. Marlie has gotten another chance at life. Its amazing how strong she is, mentally and physically. I admire her. Having to endure something as tragic as that surgery some just cannot understand. Having gone through a brain tumor myself, I know what it feels like to look different. People stare. They still do. The ones that look are the ones that have not spoken to the higher ground. They dont know what its like to heal from a near death experience that you had no control over. Its just your body. Her body gained the will to live. It should be cherished and loved. Live today like its your last because tomorrow is never promised.
One Love. aMp
I saw this story earlier on the TLC channel.
This girl is absolutely amazing.
This is truely the proof that Jesus and the Lord work in all of us.
where can i buy a video of the show on tlc of a new face for marlie it was very good and like to get a dvd anthony cinotti
I’m watching the end of it now. Amazing. She seems so much happier. She is truely beautiful.
“This is truely the proof that Jesus and the Lord work in all of us.”
What is the proof? The terrible disease that she had in the first place? A strange thing to say.
At least science was able to help the dear girl and correct God’s oopsy. But wait, God is omnipotent and perfect - he doesn’t make mistakes. Hmmm.
God bless you Marlie. I truly believe that this was a miracle from God. You have come so far!!!
MARLEY YOU ARE THE MOST PRECIOUS A SPECIAL GIRL IVE EVER SEEN, YOU ARE A MIRACLE OF OUR GOOD LORD, GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS AND TAKE CARE OF YOU, AND GOD BLESS YOUR HOME FAMILY, AND ALSO THE TWO TWIN NURSES, GOD BLESS THEM FOR YOUR CHARITY WORK!
HELEN FROM PUERTO RICO!!!
I FORGOT TO CONGRATULATE THE EXTRAORDINARY WORK THE DOCTORS DID!!, THE LORD PUT INTO THEM TWO PRECIOUS HANDS IN EACH DOCTOR FOR MARELY TO GET THIS SURGERY SO COMPLICATED AND DELICATED GOD BLESS THESE DOCTORS AND THEIR GOOD HEART IN THEM, TREMENDO EQUIPO!!
HELEN FROM PUERTO RICO
Science??? her faith in God was what truely held this girl together, the many prayers her mother and friends did, Marlie mayGod keep blessing you and your family. you are in our prayers
Marlie,
I saw a show on TV last night on TLC. You have come so far and look so beautiful! Your strength and determination is amazing! I Thank God for what he has done!
God Bless you and your Family!
Marlie, I hope that God continues to bless you. I saw your story on TLC last night and I was so inspired by you and your family. Good luck with everything. We are praying for you.
Marlie, You are truely are an inspiration to me!! I just want to give you the biggest hug!! You are so beautiful and I love your dancing. You have made an impact on the world!
MARLIE:
THANKS GOD!!!! YOU HAVE A NEW CHANCE IN LIVE… THIS IS TO KNOW THE ONE WHO GAVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LIVE. HIS NAME IS JEHOVA. PRAY TO HIM AND ASK HIM THE WAY TO SERVE HIM, HE WILL SHOW IT TO YOU. I HOPE YOU CONTINUE YOUR RECOVERY… LOVE FROM ALL PUERTO RICAN PEOPLE AND THE BEST WISHES FOR YOU…
you are truly beautiful and i am so happy for you.
when i saw this story on TLC channel
i cried my eyes out. you are truly blessed
and everyone is cheering for you
god bless.
I was lucky enough to be able to spend all afternoon yesterday doing arts and crafts with Marlie. She is such a beautiful, brilliant young woman. In just a few hours of one-on-one quality time, I know that she has a huge heart, far bigger than any other part of her body could ever be. My heart is with her always.