In the last post, we shared that Charlotte was heading to school.  Because she missed so much school while she was undergoing her facial reconstruction, she had a difficult time transitioning into fourth grade and keeping up with her peers.  In February, they suggested that she repeat fourth grade.  Rather than have her continue to struggle the rest of the year, we decided to move her into a third grade class for the remainder of the year.

She is performing better in the third grade class, but continues to struggle in some core areas, reading in particular.  Charlotte has not been evaluated for learning disability since she was in Kindergarten and given her boost of confidence thanks to her new nose and the loving support of many of you, we suspect that she may be struggling due to more than shyness and confidence concerns.

Charlotte has missed too many days this year to be evaluated by the public school district, so she will see a specialist with community mental health this week.  We hope to learn more about ways that we can assist her with her studies and help her to be a proficient reader and successful student.

We had just settled into a period of normalcy when, just a few weeks ago, Charlotte’s uncle Tom was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer that had spread to his liver.  A surgery attempt just days before his 62nd birthday this St. Patrick’s Day proved unsuccessful in removing a tumor in his colon.  This weekend, we learned that the cancer has taken over his liver and without it functioning, he has a matter of weeks to live.  Tim, Charlotte’s adoptive father, is heartbroken at the prospect of losing his twin brother, whom he has worked alongside for nearly 40 years at Sara Lee.

The doctors don’t feel they can do any more for Tom and are sending him home in the care of hospice tomorrow.  As we prepare our Easter Sunday dinner, we will be short at the table as Tim is by his brother’s side at the hospital.   At this point, only a miracle can save Tom, so we ask you to please pray for one.  And, without one, we pray for help through this difficult time for our whole family.

We will have a family get-together on Saturday to celebrate Tom’s wonderful life, in which he made friends with nearly all he met.  Please also help pray that Tom is strong enough enjoy at least one more family gathering.

Thank you , to everyone who continues to care about our little amazing spitfire of a girl, and we wish you a blessed Easter.

The Grand Rapids Ballet Company was generous to invite Charlotte to the performance along with three family members for the show.  Her dad and brother stayed home, and she was joined by mom Sharon, sister-in-law Amber, and niece Aurora for a girls afternoon outing.

The stars of the performance were very sweet to Charlotte, welcoming her to check out their costumes, shoes and props.  She met with the Nutcracker Prince (Stephen Sanford), the Sugar Plum Fairy (Rachael Riley) and Clara (Matisen Douglas).  Charlotte is eager more than ever to explore dancing, and we will begin looking at schools in our neighborhood to give her this opportunity.

Enjoy a gallery of photos from the outing on MLive.com by photographer Chris Clark, http://photos.mlive.com/4469/gallery/charlotte_ponce_goes_backstage_at_the_nutcracker/index.html.

Beaumont tweeted live updates this morning and many Twitter users offered support using the hashtag #healingcharlotte.

• Royal Oak Patch, FROM BEAUMONT: Charlotte Ponce Surgery ‘Went Very Well’
• mLive.com, Follow Charlotte Ponce’s operation on Twitter: Live tweets document last major operation on nose
• Royal Oak Daily Tribune, Girl attacked by raccoon undergoes 5th facial surgery
• Oakland Press, Girl attacked by raccoon has 5th surgery, completes nasal reconstruction WITH VIDEO

Despite slower than anticipated healing of Charlotte’s forehead, where the skin for her nose was grafted from, we no longer expect that additional skin grafts will be needed to correct this.  The skin should eventually heal with minimal scarring and she will wear bandages until the open wounds will heal.

Charlotte, as ever, is just holding up super during this difficult time.  She is eager to complete the process and despite what must be tremendous pain, she is optimistic and goofy as ever.  We are so blessed that she has such a positive outlook despite such adverse situations.

Beaumont will be doing a live twitter feed updating her progress throughout the surgery.  You can follow along and share your support using the hashtag #healingcharlotte.  Follow the feed online at:  https://twitter.com/search?q=%23healingcharlotte&src=typd

I know we’ve thanked you before, but we can never thank enough the people who have followed Charlotte’s progress throughout this reconstruction and have showed their overwhelming support.  We know that Charlotte is special, and the fact that so many that don’t know her personally have also developed an attachment and love for this brave little girl is so heartwarming and helps her and her family make it through it.

• Click on Detroit

Her lips were swollen for a few days after the most recent surgery, making it difficult for her to eat for yet a few more days, but by Thanksgiving, she was able to enjoy the meal with her family.  As we sat around the table and shared the things we were thankful for, Charlotte was thankful, “That the raccoon didn’t kill her and that she is still alive today.”

We are thankful for all of the love and support that Charlotte has received throughout this process.  We aren’t sure how we would have made it happen without the generosity of friends, family and strangers.  It was a very humbling Thanksgiving for the Ponce family.

Charlotte went back today to have a stint in her nostrils removed before her next surgery later this week, which is slotted to be the final major one on her nose.  Because of slower than anticipated healing of her forehead (where they grafted skin to build her nose), she is likely to have significant scarring.  So, in about three months, she should be back at Beaumont for a skin graft to help with her forehead.  Additionally, she will have some fat injected into her right cheek, which lays flat since the attack compared to her left cheek, which was untouched.  She still has some hairs on her nose from the graft on her forehead, and she may have to have electrolysis to remove them at a later date.

It is amazing to look at photos of Charlotte from before she started surgeries and to realize how quickly she has undergone this major transformation.  We are looking forward to the day when all is done, but being thankful and making the most of each day from now until then.

Happy holidays to all of you, and may you be safe and joyful during this season!

• Mlive.com:  Charlotte Ponce has a ‘complete top lip,’ and surgeon pleased with the results
• Royal Oak Patch:  It’s Round Four of Nose Reconstruction Surgery for Charlotte Ponce
• Beaumont Press Room:  Round 4: surgeons reconstruct West Michigan girl’s nose and lip

Always a little defiant, Charlotte insists on drinking through a straw instead of being fed with a giant syringe.  She has been drinking Carnation instant breakfast and liquid yogurt and applesauce through a straw.

She goes back on Friday for a surgery on her lips, and she’ll have a brand new smile.  They’ll also do some work on her nose, she’s only expected to be in the hospital until Sunday after this.  On the 30th, she’ll have her final nose surgery.

She still wants to get her ear next summer, and it’s completely her choice.  She’s bold and brave and wants this all over with.

Charlotte studies at home with her tutor the day before her last surgery.

Some press:

• Charlotte Ponce adapts to ‘new normal,’ heads into 3rd major surgery
• http://mediacenter.tveyes.com/downloadgateway.aspx?UserID=42730&MDID=1278627&MDSeed=9118&Type=Media  5PM segment with Alicia Smith on patient Charlotte Ponce and Beaumont Children’s Hospital surgeon Kongkrit Chaiyasate
• http://mediacenter.tveyes.com/downloadgateway.aspx?UserID=42730&MDID=1278620&MDSeed=9240&Type=Media  Noon segment with Alicia Smith on patient Charlotte Ponce and BCH surgeon Kongkrit Chaiyasate

• Robert Ortlieb posted -”West Michigan girl undergoes third surgery to reconstruct nose” on Beaumont website:  http://www.beaumont.edu/west-michigan-girl-undergoes-third-surgery-reconstruct-nose-lip-chaiyasate

She is planning to be a “batterina” – part bat, part ballerina.  We will be sure to post photos, rain or shine.

In other news, Charlotte is receiving tutoring 4 days per week.  She is working hard with a goal of reading and performing mathematics at a 4th grade level to be prepared for her eventual return to the classroom.

Charlotte’s recent checkups have gone well, infection-free and healing according to plan. The skin from her forehead used to cover her nose structure contains some of the hairline, so we’re curious how much longer her nose will be fuzzy.  It’s kind of cute, but Charlotte would be happy to see the hairs go.  The doctor and Charlotte have also decided to proceed this fall with Charlotte’s lip reversal.  After the surgery, Charlotte will not be able to eat solids and will need to use a straw while her lips heal.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Charlotte enjoys the recreation room at Beaumont Children’s Hospital after her second major surgery.

While she was in the hospital, she was given a “Hero of the Month” award from the Kid’s Wish Network!  Charlotte was very pleased to have been chosen for this award, which acknowledges children who have overcome very difficult situations.  The staff at Beaumont Children’s Hospital nominated her for the award.  She received a certificate, medallion, t-shirt and a gift card to pick something special out.  She said she wanted to use the gift card to buy some nice things for people important to her.

Michigan artist Judyth Nelson mailed a beautiful watercolor of a princess in a pink dress especially painted for Charlotte.  She granted permission for her to reproduce it if ever needed to raise money for Charlotte.  We may take the beautiful image to make notecards or postcards that Charlotte can use to write back to her pen pals and well wishers.  Once we have a chance to take a photo or scan that does the image justice, we’ll share it.

Charlotte enjoys some watercolor painting at Beaumont. While she was painting this image, artist Judyth Nelson was mailing Charlotte a painting made especially for Char.

We want to thank the members of the press who have spent time with Charlotte and her family and to help share her story of hope and healing.  We really wouldn’t have been able to move ahead with her surgeries when we did without their help and of course, the help of their viewers/ readers.

Fox 2 News Detroit ran a nice segment on Charlotte yesterday, thank you to Deena Centofanti for continued coverage.

Also, we are very grateful for the staff at Beaumont, which has been fantastic at all aspects — from the medical professionals to the administration.  Our experience has been amazing.

Beaumont staff posted this video update of Tim and Sharon, sharing an update on her most recent surgery and expressing their thanks to all the Beaumont Children’s Hospital staff who have helped her during her various visits. They also extend a thank you to her supporters around the world.