Incredible Story of Restoration & Resilience
Onyinye Udebuani | Nigeria
Meet Onyinye Udebuani (Onyi), a young woman who has experienced firsthand the life-changing impact of RESTORE Worldwide. Her journey has been one of resilience and hope, and RESTORE Worldwide has played a pivotal role in her transformation. Through the support and opportunities provided by RESTORE, Sarah has been able to overcome adversity and rebuild her life, finding renewed purpose and fulfillment. Her story is a testament to the power of RESTORE Worldwide's mission to empower individuals and communities in need, and Onyi is now thriving, paying it forward, and inspiring others with her incredible story of restoration.
The damage
Onyinye Udebuani survived a car accident in 2018 that severely disfigured her face, changing not only her looks but the course of her life. She was a passenger in the collision that killed three others. Due to the accident, Udebuani sustained multiple facial fractures and degloved facial soft tissue. Her injuries were so extreme that Michael Obeng, MD, FACS, an ASPS member out of Beverly Hills and Founder of RESTORE Worldwide Inc.: The Foundation for Reconstructive Surgery, performed numerous reconstructive procedures over three years to restore her face to its current function and form.
Procedures Dr. Michael K.Obeng performed included eyelid ectropion correction with palatal graft, skin graft, right cheek reconstruction, nasal reconstruction, multiple facial scar revisions and dental work.
"We debulked the whole face because the right side was so much bigger. There were some masses that we removed. The second surgery, we were able to go in, readjust the nose, put an implant, and then the third surgery we went back in and we have corrected the ectropion," said Obeng. "But this is an ongoing battle. Right now, we have to wait until everything heals, and the next phase is a laser resurfacing of the scars."
Procedures Dr. Michael K.Obeng performed included eyelid ectropion correction with palatal graft, skin graft, right cheek reconstruction, nasal reconstruction, multiple facial scar revisions and dental work.
"We debulked the whole face because the right side was so much bigger. There were some masses that we removed. The second surgery, we were able to go in, readjust the nose, put an implant, and then the third surgery we went back in and we have corrected the ectropion," said Obeng. "But this is an ongoing battle. Right now, we have to wait until everything heals, and the next phase is a laser resurfacing of the scars."
Rising against the odds
Udebuani chose to rise against all odds and continue to pursue her education after her accident. Despite her extreme facial disfigurement, she applied and was accepted into a master's program at a university in Nigeria, fulfilling a childhood dream to pursue an education that involved math.
Today, Udebuani is a Google- and Udacity-certified data analyst. She uses her position to give back to her community by providing resources and mentorship to young people who want to break into a tech career like hers. She also shares her story with others, which helped her win a scholarship.
Today, Udebuani is a Google- and Udacity-certified data analyst. She uses her position to give back to her community by providing resources and mentorship to young people who want to break into a tech career like hers. She also shares her story with others, which helped her win a scholarship.
Before
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After sustaining major injuries from a car accident in 2018
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After four reconstructive surgeries
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After
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Onyi honored as '2022 Patient of Courage'
by the American Society of Plastic Surgery
Onyi was awarded the prestigious title of "Patient of Courage" by ASPS in recognition of her unwavering bravery and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity, as well as her unwavering determination to embrace life to the fullest.
Dr. Michael K. Obeng's patient has been bestowed with this esteemed title for the second time, highlighting the exceptional courage and resilience demonstrated by the patient in the face of challenges, and further attesting to Dr. Obeng's dedication to providing exceptional care and transformative outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Michael K. Obeng's patient has been bestowed with this esteemed title for the second time, highlighting the exceptional courage and resilience demonstrated by the patient in the face of challenges, and further attesting to Dr. Obeng's dedication to providing exceptional care and transformative outcomes for his patients.
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The Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity
program honors reconstructive plastic surgery patients whose lives were restored through reconstructive plastic surgery and whose charitable actions influence the lives around them. |
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Onyi attending RESTORE Worldwide Anniversary Fundraiser to share her story onstage.
She is one of the ambassadors of RESTORE Foundation.
She is one of the ambassadors of RESTORE Foundation.
The plastic surgeon who freed
“Gorilla Glue girl” Tessica Brown
Thanks to the philanthropic efforts of Dr. Michael K. Obeng and his charitable foundation, RESTORE, the internet sensation known as the "Gorilla Glue girl" received pro bono reconstructive surgeries to address her unique situation.
Dr. Obeng's generosity and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others were instrumental in helping Tessica overcome the challenges associated with the viral incident, and RESTORE's mission of empowering individuals in need was exemplified through this act of compassion.
Dr. Obeng's generosity and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others were instrumental in helping Tessica overcome the challenges associated with the viral incident, and RESTORE's mission of empowering individuals in need was exemplified through this act of compassion.
Testimonials
Michael,
This is the Tanzania boy who was on the verge to give up on his own dream, but through your speech I was able to relate my struggles and yours and decided that nothing was going to hold me down, or let my situations shut my dream of becoming an Engineer. I graduated this year on top of my class and offered a job as a process/Industrial Engineer at one of the biggest Automotive parts manufacture company in North America. I would like you to be my mentor.
God Bless you and your Family
Mwita John
This is the Tanzania boy who was on the verge to give up on his own dream, but through your speech I was able to relate my struggles and yours and decided that nothing was going to hold me down, or let my situations shut my dream of becoming an Engineer. I graduated this year on top of my class and offered a job as a process/Industrial Engineer at one of the biggest Automotive parts manufacture company in North America. I would like you to be my mentor.
God Bless you and your Family
Mwita John
Dr Obeng- I am thrilled to report that my arm and hand are doing just fine thanks to you. You performed ulnar nerve repair on me and I am grateful. My hand claws a bit, and is sensitive to cold, but I have strength and mobility which is all I could ask for. And the scar healed brilliantly. Thank you for your work.
Mark Hackett
Mark Hackett
Hello! I just saw your YouTube video and I must say I am deeply moved and inspired by your story or bet yet your journey to achieving your goals!!! Thank you so much for giving back to the less privileged and striving to make it known that despite the obstacles, it can be done. I am a Ghanaian as well I was super thrilled when I saw your video. Congratulations and job well done !!
Marcus Gando
Marcus Gando