JULIANA WETMORE TRIUMPHS AFTER BEING BORN WITH NO FACE (GRAPHIC PICTURES)

In March, 2003  Tami Wetmore was delivered of  a baby girl and what should have been one of the happiest moments of Tami Wetmore's life soon turned tragic when she delivered her baby girl, Juliana

"Where is she? Where's her face?" the new mom remembers asking.

The 11-year-old has Treacher Collins, a rare genetic disorder that left almost half of her facial bone structure undeveloped. The brave girl has already undergone 45 surgeries.

ATTENTION GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW:

Juliana's photo at birth

Little Juliana was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a genetic condition in which 30%-40% of the bones in her face are missing. Tami and her husband Thom recently sat down with Florida'sFirst Coast News  to provide an update on their little girl, who has undergone 45 surgeries in her 11 years.

Juliana cuddles with her mum Tami be for a surgery


But Juliana is now thriving, attending elementary school in Clay County, Florida. She can talk and also uses sign language to communicate. Her parents are hopeful that her tracheotomy tube will one day be removed and that she will also learn how to eat on her own.






Juliana can talk and also uses sign language to communicate



She even has a new friend who understands what she's going through: Tami and Thom have adopted Danica, a Ukrainian orphan who also has Treacher Collins.

Juliana's doctor says Treacher Collins kids have above average intelligence

 Juliana has communicated with her parents that she's content with her appearance, though her parents are considering a summer surgery to further define her cheekbones.

The family's inspiring story has touched hearts worldwide, with letters as far as Tokyo and Baghdad pouring in.

"This story is much bigger than us or Juliana," said Thom. "God never gives you more than you can handle."

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