Spring break is a time for relaxation and fun, especially for students like Chrissy Steltz. But what should have been a joyous occasion turned into a nightmare that changed her life forever. On that fateful day in March 1999, Chrissy’s decision to throw a party ended in a tragic accident that left her with half a face.
The party started off like any other, with laughter and drinks flowing. But everything changed when Chrissy stumbled upon a friend holding a loaded shotgun. In a desperate attempt to prevent a tragedy, she pleaded with her friend to put the gun down. But it was too late. In an instant, the gun went off, and Chrissy was shot at point-blank range.
Chrissy’s boyfriend at the time, Will O’Brien, found her in a pool of blood shortly after the incident. He recalls seeing her fighting to stay alive, like a wounded animal struggling to get up. Thanks to the efforts of surgeons at a nearby hospital, Chrissy survived the ordeal. However, three-quarters of her face had been destroyed, and she lost her sight and sense of smell.
The road to recovery was long and challenging. Chrissy spent weeks in a coma, and her loved ones could only hope for the best. But against all odds, she woke up and began her journey to rebuild her life. She had to come to terms with her new reality, accepting her injuries and the fact that she would never see or smell again.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Chrissy chose to face her challenges head-on. She learned braille and how to navigate the world as a blind person. She returned to her old high school, attended prom, and graduated with top grades. Despite the setbacks, Chrissy maintained a positive attitude, refusing to let her circumstances define her.
Love found its way into Chrissy’s life once again when she met Geoffrey Dilger, a man who had also lost his sight at a young age. Their connection was instant, and they now have a happy life together, along with their son, Geoffrey. Together, they have traveled to different places, proving that love knows no boundaries.
While Chrissy’s strength and resilience are truly remarkable, she longed for something more: a face that her son could recognize, a face that would reflect her inner strength and beauty. In 2010, Chrissy was given the opportunity to have a prosthetic face created by a team of dedicated surgeons. This new face, complete with silicone makeup, allowed her son to see her as a “regular person” and allowed Chrissy to regain some confidence in her appearance.
Chrissy’s journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains optimistic and grateful for every day of her life. She sees things in her dreams and cherishes the image of her son’s face. Rather than seeking pity, Chrissy wants to be seen for the strong and vibrant person she is.
Chrissy’s story is a source of inspiration for all of us. Her courage and determination serve as a reminder that we can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. Let us celebrate the incredible woman that Chrissy Steltz is and share her story as a tribute to her indomitable spirit.
