Sickness/Healing ; Deformity/Transformation

May 9, 2009 — Archbishop of Singapore, Connie Culp, face transplant, transplant, transplant US

The Lord will Understand

The Archbishop of Singapore has issued instructions to all church goers as a precautionary measure against the spread of the H1N1 virus. I was told by my friends that this is similar to when Singapore was hit by SARS several years ago.

I would normally hold the hand of the people beside me to sing, “Our Father” and shake hands during the Sign of Peace so it feels different not to be able to do so at least for a few weeks. However, I respect such decision and will obey as it is for the good of all.

Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

Let’s admit it. In a world filled with commercialism and pretense, we can’t help but notice how people look from head to toe. Love at first sight, etc. However, not all good looking people are best friend material (and I am not trying to be like Paris Hilton here). 

It takes time to get to know a person and even if we reach an acceptable level of trust, trust is betrayed and we are back to square one.

I was touched by the story of Connie Culp’s transformation and resilience as the US’ first ever face transplant recipient.

Let me quote Yahoo news on the background: “Culp’s husband, Thomas, shot her in 2004, then turned the gun on himself. He went to prison for seven years. His wife was left clinging to life. The blast shattered her nose, cheeks, the roof of her mouth and an eye. Hundreds of fragments of shotgun pellet and bone splinters were embedded in her face. She needed a tube into her windpipe to breathe. Only her upper eyelids, forehead, lower lip and chin were left.”

After 30 operations :

parts of her ribs –> cheekbones

one of her leg bones –> upper jaw

skin from thighs –> grafted onto face

and a 22-hour operation in December:

bones, muscles, blood vessels from another woman who had just died –> 80% of her face

Cost likely to be absorbed by the clinic : US$250,000 to 300,000

Before the accident

Now

Culp said she wants to help foster acceptance of those who have suffered burns and other disfiguring injuries. 

“When somebody has a disfigurement and don’t look as pretty as you do, don’t judge them, because you never know what 

happened to them,” she said. “Don’t judge people who don’t look the same as you do. Because you never know. One day it 

might be all taken away.” 

True, true. A story of hope, courage, and faith. Looks may change in an instant but the values shaped by our upbringing and the pureness of our hearts are what will matter in the end.