Teen Dances to Taylor Swift After Life-Changing Surgery Teen Has Face Separated from Skull in Surgery. Then Dances to Taylor Swift (Exclusive)
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A 14-year-old girl named Jade Metivier underwent a series of three complex facial reconstructive surgeries beginning in May 2023. Jade had been struggling with a condition that affected her ability to breathe, speak, and eat normally. Following her first surgery, where her midfacial bones were separated from her skull to allow for them to be repositioned, an unexpected heartwarming moment occurred.
Despite being intubated, sedated, and with her eyes sewn shut post-surgery, Jade began dancing to a Taylor Swift song while in her hospital bed at New York-Presbyterian in New York City. Nurses were amazed by the sight, with one remarking it was the first time they had seen an intubated patient dancing, praising Jade as a rock star.
The surgery aimed to correct Jade’s midface hypoplasia, a condition that caused her eyes, jaw, and cheekbones to develop at a different rate than the rest of her face. Jade’s parents, Christi and Mark Metivier, were overjoyed by the progress their daughter had made. Following the surgeries, Jade’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe had significantly improved, transforming her daily life for the better.
Jade, now 16 years old and about to start her sophomore year in high school in Kansas, expressed how much the surgeries had changed her life positively. She found herself back in dance class, embracing the activities she loved with newfound confidence. Her parents shared their admiration for Jade’s resilience throughout the challenging journey, with Christi highlighting how Jade had become a role model for their family.
Reflecting on the impact of the surgeries, Dr. Thomas Imahiyerobo, the director of cleft and craniofacial surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, praised Jade’s remarkable transformation. He commended her improved physical functions and enhanced appearance, noting that the surgeries had allowed Jade to showcase her true confidence and exceptional qualities to her community.
Jade’s journey began when she was adopted from China by her parents at the age of 2. Born with a cleft lip and palate, Jade underwent corrective surgeries as a toddler before facing the unexpected challenge of midface hypoplasia as she entered puberty. Her parents, initially taken aback by the extent of the surgeries required, found solace in Dr. Imahiyerobo’s expertise and handled the situation sensitively, ensuring Jade felt supported every step of the way.
Through moments of struggle and emotional intensity, Jade persevered with the unwavering support of her family and friends. Her determination and resilience shone through as she navigated the ups and downs of post-surgery recovery, eventually returning to activities she cherished, like dance. As Jade continues to flourish post-surgery, her parents express gratitude for the medical team that made her transformation possible and look forward to witnessing her continued growth and success.