Bolivian woman grateful for surgery

KENMORE, N.Y. (WIVB) - A local plastic surgeon has given hope to a woman whose life was almost destroyed by severe burns.

Over the years we've shared stories about Dr. Jeffrey Meilman's Hope for Tomorrow Foundation providing plastic surgery that's transformed lives. Now a Bolivian woman can thank Dr. Meilman for his work.

Jeanneth Blanca Rojas Paucara suffered horrific burns on the streets of Bolivia two years ago. She was selling tea, coffee and hot milk when she was terribly burned with alcohol. Since the injury, Jeanneth could not eat, or move her head or neck. She had to live with her parents because she could not work.

Dr. Meilman operated on her last Friday at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Over six hours, he reconstructed Jeanneth's entire neck and lower face. Soon she can return home and live a more normal life.

Kenmore Mercy Hospital CEO James Millard said, "And as the nurses got to know this patient, really understood where she came from and what her lifestyle, they have really rallied around and they have purchased clothes for her and her family and some other supplies that she can take back with her."

Through a translator, Jeanneth said, "It's like a rebirth for her, the operation. She couldn't move, and she was like, in this position for a very long time, and now she can move her neck."

Jeanneth was released from Kenmore Mercy. For the time being she'll stay with a family in Elma. Dr. Meilman's Hope for Tomorrow Foundation has been helping patients like Jeanneth for more than ten years.