Marlie Casseus (born 1992) is a Hatian teenager, who attracted media attention when she received four surgeries to remove an 18-pound growth from her face that threatened her ability to eat, breathe, and see, according to Wikipedia.
In her native Haiti, the growth on Marlie Casseus's face is believed by many to be the work of the devil. She hides away and is given up for dead as the hideous growth closes her throat and prevents her breathing.
In reality Marlie suffers from polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, a disease that can cause large growths of swollen and jelly-like bone throughout the body, sometimes including the face and skull.
In Marlie's case the growths started around age five to eight and grew until her facial features were completely disfigured.
They re-aired the show, A New Face For Marlie, last night, but if you missed it you can catch it (or TIVO it), today, August 4, 2008 at noon on TLC (The Learning Channel).
I am always amazed at the things that are possible in the science and medical fields.
I wanted to write about Marlie and I desperately wanted to know how she is doing today. I have searched and searched and cannot find any recent updated information on Marlie Casseus. I contacted TLC for an update and if they respond back to me, I'll let you know.
If you have any information on Marlie, please share it with us. Hope to hear from you!
UPDATE: September 13, 2009 on Marlie