Maribeth Lynch
She was horribly scarred and painfully shy. But she was inquisitive. Like young children, she learned English quickly. She attended Goddard School and took an interest in karate and gymnastics. She made friends easily, despite her obvious handicap.
Over the last five years Teeba has endured numerous reconstructive surgeries, 16 of them to be exact, at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland. More often than not, tissue expanders were part of her daily wardrobe, as noticeable as the bright colors she liked to wear. Teeba had to put up with stares from strangers and unwelcome questions about what happened to her. Even at her young age, Teeba handled the situation with grace. Barbara has always maintained that throughout her ordeal, she has never complained.
Teeba, now 10, will be in fourth grade at Andrews Osborne School in Willoughby. She is a gifted artist and passionate about fashion and international dance. She has close friends who love her as much as she loves them. Her shyness has dissipated just like most of her scars and what has emerged is an engaging, witty and confident young lady.
She's endured more in her short life than many of us will in a lifetime. The Marlowes and many others behind the scenes have altered the course of Teeba's life for the better.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
