The amazing story of Katie Stubblefield: She became the youngest person to receive a face transplant
Katie Stubblefield: The Youngest Face Transplant Recipient in the U.S.. Katie Stubblefield was only 18 when her world collapsed. After a painful breakup and ongoing health and family struggles, she attempted suicide by shooting herself. Against all odds, she survived — but the devastating injury left her without most of her face.
Her recovery was long and difficult. Doctors first tried reconstructive surgeries, but soon told her parents that the only real hope for a normal life was a face transplant — something Katie had never even heard of. “I had no clue what a face transplant was,” she later said.
In 2017, at the age of 21, Katie underwent a 31-hour surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, becoming the youngest person in the U.S. to receive a full face transplant and only the 40th person worldwide. Eleven surgeons replaced her forehead, nose, sinuses, jaw, teeth, eyelids, and more, using tissue from donor Adrea Schneider, a 31-year-old woman whose family agreed to the life-changing gift.
Katie’s journey after surgery was far from easy. She required dozens of medications, constant care from her parents, physical and occupational therapy, braille lessons, and speech therapy. Speaking was especially difficult since she now had her donor’s mouth and struggled with her palate, but she slowly regained confidence. “I am able to touch my face now, and it feels amazing,” she told CNN.
Fourteen months later, Katie had undergone several revision surgeries to improve function and appearance. Her story, shared widely in the media, has become an inspiration worldwide — a reminder of both the fragility and resilience of life.
Now in her mid-20s, Katie hopes to pursue studies in counseling and motivational speaking, determined to help others facing hardship. Her second chance, she says, is something she will never take for granted.
