Survivor Stories

Woman finds courage in journey to rebuild her face

Once known as the “woman without a face,” Carolyn Thomas helps other survivors of domestic violence

When Carolyn Thomas arrived at the office of Eugene Alford, M.D., for a preoperative visit, he greeted her with a warm embrace. She had driven three hours from her home in Waco, Texas, to see the reconstructive plastic surgeon, a dear friend and mentor. Alford ushered Thomas into an exam room at the Houston Methodist […]

Survivor Stories

How Long Do Transplanted Organs Last?

By Britni R. McAshan April 30, 2019

On July 7, 1990, Randy Creech got a second chance at life when he received a new heart. But the transplant came with an expiration date. I was sitting [...]

Survivor Stories

Loss of Legs Is Huge Adjustment for Fourth Ward Trauma Survivor

By John Martinez May 8, 2017

Crystal Perez remembers merging onto the Interstate 45 entrance ramp, but not the series of unfortunate events that left her without legs. Her next memory is waking up in [...]