Several years ago I was invited to speak in New York City at a major laser meeting and part of my lecture involved my treatment of burn injuries.  Other surgeons also reported their experiences and it was a great meeting.  Between all the doctor lectures I had an opportunity to hear a talk by Lesia Cartelli.  This was one of the most inspirational and emotional presentations I have ever heard in my life.  Lisa sustained burns of 50% of her body and details her emotional struggle and challenges and how she dedicated her life to helping other girls with burns.  Her book has just been released and I was extremely honored to be quoted on the inside cover (along with Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Phil and Barbara Walters, none the less).  Lisa is making a difference in the lives of many young women.  Her story is touching and her work truly is angelic.  It has been my honor to call her a friend.

Lesia Cartelli endured a serious burn injury over 50% of her face and body from a natural gas explosion at her grandparents’ at the age of nine. The home was completely destroyed yet her spirit survived. Not wasting her pain, Lesia is the founder and director of Angel Faces®, the first and only national nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide healing retreats and aftercare support designed to inspire adolescent girls with severe facial disfigurements to achieve their optimum potential and develop meaningful relationships for themselves, their families and their communities.

Joe Niamtu, III DMD

Cosmetic Facial Surgery

Richmond, Virginia

www.lovethatface.com