Original Air Date:

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Guests:

In this episode, Oprah welcomed the following guests:

• Connie Culp
• Shiloh Pepin

Show Summary:

In this episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah brought two stories of strength and determination in the face of adversity. First, the story of Connie Culp, who received the first face transplant at the Cleveland Clinic in December of 2008 after her husband shot her.


Then, Oprah welcomed Shiloh Pepin, a 10 year-old girl living with Sirenomelia, or Mermaid Syndrome.

Special Highlights:

Highlights from this episode include:

• Connie was shot in September 2004 by her abusive husband who then turned the gun on himself, but also survived the shot.
  
  
• In December 2008 Connie received the skin covering 80% of her face from an anonymous donor.
  
  
• Even through her many struggles, Connie says she is now a more confident person.
  
  
• Shiloh Pepin is one of only six people living with Mermaid Syndrome - 4 have had their legs separated.
  
  
• To keep her alive and healthy, Shiloh's parents give her two drug cocktails a day and change her waste bags, as she does not have bowels.
  
  
• The family feels every day is special with Shiloh.

What to Take Away from the Show:

Both Connie and Shiloh have shown amazing courage not only surviving, but thriving, even given their medical challenges. Their stories are inspiring and I was left feeling grateful for my health and also encouraged that it is possible to have a positive attitude in the face of any circumstance.

These guests will likely continue to face their challenges with the same courage and light they displayed on the show. Shiloh can also be seen on the TLC special "Mermaid Girl."