SAN ANTONIO -- Survivors who have lived through threats, assaults, terror, and abuse are getting a fresh outlook on life... with a new face.
"[We're] restoring beauty and dignity to help them move away from the horror that they had to live through," describes Marta Pealez, CEO of the Family Violence Prevention Services.
Through the teamwork of local advocates and medical volunteers, five women will be chosen each month for free reconstructive surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Jeneby is doing all the procedures on his own time and money.
"We're dealing with scalp injuries, lacerations to the mouth, breast reconstruction, facial features," says Dr. Thomas Jeneby. "Some of these women aren't so blessed, and it's time to enjoy the part that makes us plastic surgeons... to improve peoples' lives through reconstruction."
Survivors are chosen based on medical and physical needs. However, the demand is far greater than the resources available. One hundred and eighty-two women and children stay at the Battered Women and Children's Shelter in a day alone.
If you'd like to help with the project, or learn how to get help, call the Family Violence Prevention Services at the Shelter Crisis Hotline (210) 733-8810.
