Lucy Grealy: 1965 - 2002

Lucy was only nine years old when she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in her jaw. One week before her tenth birthday she underwent radical surgery to remove the cancer and subsequently, her jaw. This initial surgery left Lucy with a facial deformity that made her self-conscious and in fact feeling "ugly". During adolescence, while other girls were playing sports and going to dances, Lucy was undergoing numerous reconstructive surgeries to restore her jaw.

Lucy was fourteen when she found a way to follow her passion, the love of animals. Still self-conscious, she responded to a newspaper ad by phone and to her surprise and delight was hired at a nearby riding stable. There she worked with horses, which brought her comfort and a sense of accomplishment. The horses responded to Lucy as the kind and loving person she was, providing a safe place were she could define and see herself from this point of view. Not only did the horses respond to Lucy with love and respect, so did the staff. It was a way for her to step back and forget her obsession with her appearance and focus on the gifts she brought to the animals. This experience helped her to build confidence in herself.

College further provided a place for her to see the true Lucy. It was there that she was recognized for her work as an artist and not for her physical image. After writing her book, Autobiography of a Face, she felt she could finally reconcile her feelings and frustrations over her physical appearance

In December 2002 Lucy passed away after a long illness. Please join us in sending Lucy's family and friend heartfelt condolences as we celebrate Lucy's beauty, courage and quest for life. Lucy helped us recognize that beauty comes from the inside and for that we thank her.

You can see more of Lucy's story in the documentary film I Am Beautiful. Click here to order the film.

Click here to order Lucy's book Autobiography of a Face