Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

For 18-year-old Sheneil Walcott, who was severely burnt when she was doused with acid exactly one year ago, the journey back to normality will begin in a few days.

The vibrant teenager's smile has never been the same since November 22 last year when she was drenched in acid by a woman who attacked her while she was at her boyfriend's house.

Severely disfigured by the burns she received, Sheneil will start her reconstructive surgery when she leaves the island for the United States next Thursday.

"I am really excited and overwhelmed because I am getting a second chance in life," Sheneil told The Gleaner with a smile in her voice.

She admitted that there was some amount of fear on her part, but she was hopeful that the surgery, though lengthy, would be successful.

"I know it is going to take two years but at least I will be able to walk in public without people staring at me with surprise in their face," she commented.

The 18-year-old's surgery will be done by a team of surgeons at the burn unit of the Nassau Medical Centre in Long Island, New York. The team will be led by the head of plastic surgery, Dr. Louis Riina, and plastic surgeon, Dr. Allan Cantor.

Extensive examination

Dr. Cantor, who is currently vacationing in Jamaica, told The Gleaner on Tuesday that Sheneil will on her arrival be given an extensive examination of her wounds.

"The first procedure that will be done from the burn team is the reconstruction of her eyelids and her lips," he said.

Describing Sheneil's injuries as extensive and extremely severe, Dr. Cantor said other reconstructive surgeries will be carefully coordinated to relieve her scar tissue.

Dr. Cantor, who has been practising medicine since 1990, said he was inspired to assist Jamaican children following a visit with his family to the island in 2000. He has returned to the island several times since, offering his expertise in his area off speciality.

The surgeries will be done at a charity rate and will be paid for by the Nassau Medical Centre, Leaf of Life, the Caribbean Immigrant Services Youth Core and the Jamaican Consulate in New York.