Three years ago, a young South Florida woman was shot multiple times in the face and chest by her ex-boyfriend and left for dead. The single mother, Janay Monroe, was rushed to the Broward Medical Health Center where she was treated by Dr. Leslie Sultan, an oral and maxilla face surgeon. She miraculously survived, but was left deformed. Oralia Ortega with CBS/Miami reports on the story and asks Dr. Sultan about the extent of Monroe’s facial injuries.
“The bone basically between the molars on both sides were just shattered into about 20 different pieces. Her tongue was completely detached from her jaw,” said Sultan.
Even with several reconstructive surgeries, Janay Monroe still hid her face, wore lots of makeup, and refrained from talking. She found herself out of a job and out of school. Eventually, she was reconnected with Dr. Sultan who offered her full reconstructive surgery, which included removing gunshot fragments and titanium plate, placing dental implants in her lower jaw, and a custom-designed dental bridge.” The doctor’s fee? $0.00
“Once the swelling went down, all I could do was really cry,” said Monroe. “I felt like I have my face back. I have a better smile. I was very overjoyed and I just kept feeling very, very, very grateful.”
Here is the CBS/Miami news clip
Janay Monroe is a survivor of domestic violence. The ex-boyfriend who attacked her is serving 50 years in prison. An average of three to four women are murdered by a husband or boyfriend every day. If guns are present there is 500x more of a chance of a homicide. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch is cracking down on domestic violence and firearms offenders.
If you are a victim, or know someone experiencing abuse/domestic violence, there is free and confidential help available. Visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline website at TheHotline.org or call 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). The organization also offers live chats. If there is immediate danger, first call 911. Please remember, you are not alone—and it’s not your fault.
Cheers to Janay Monore, and to all the courageous survivors of domestic violence who’ve been able to turn their lives around and tell their stories. In doing so, they are helping many others.