Ep 1. The Girl With Half a Face

The episode "The Girl With Half a Face" from season 1 of Discovery Fit & Health Presents examines the inspiring story of a young girl named Marlie Casseus. Marlie was born in Haiti with a rare condition called neurofibromatosis, which caused a massive benign tumor to grow on the right side of her face, resulting in her being born with only half a face.

Her parents were unable to provide her with the medical treatment that she needed, so they made the difficult decision to send her to the US to live with her aunt and uncle. Once in the US, Marlie's story caught the attention of various media outlets, and she became a national sensation, leading to an outpouring of support from people across the country.

As the documentary follows Marlie's journey, viewers witness the incredible obstacles she and her family faced in getting her the medical attention she needed. Doctors were initially hesitant to operate on her because the surgery would be risky and complex, and there were no guarantees that it would be successful. However, after a lengthy search, Marlie's family found a surgeon at Miami Children's Hospital who was willing to take on the challenge.

The show takes viewers through the painstaking process of preparing Marlie for surgery. The tumor was so large that doctors had to first conduct a blood transfusion to get enough blood to supply both Marlie and the tumor during the surgery. Despite the incredible risks, Marlie remained positive, hopeful, and inspiring throughout the entire process.

The surgery itself was a grueling 16-hour procedure, and there were moments when it seemed as though it might not be successful. However, the dedication and skill of the surgical team prevailed, and they were able to remove the entire tumor from Marlie's face. In the end, Marlie was left with a new face, without the tumor that had defined her entire life up to that point.

The episodes concludes with Marlie returning to Haiti, where she is greeted by her family and friends, who are astonished by the transformation she has undergone. Despite the challenges she's faced throughout her life, Marlie remains an optimistic and inspiring figure, a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit.

"The Girl With Half a Face" is a powerful and moving documentary that showcases the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. Through Marlie's story, viewers are reminded of the importance of hope, perseverance, and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It's a story that will stay with viewers long after the episode has ended.