Carmen Blandin Tarleton of Thetford began her "hell journey" in 2007 after husband Herbert Rodgers struck her with a bat and soaked her face with industrial-strength lye due to suspicion of infidelity. Six years later after the attack, the 44-year-old victim publicly revealed for the first time her new look from the successful face transplant surgery at Boston's Brigham and Women's hospital in February 2013.

The ruthless lye attack left the nurse and mother of two with severe burns more than 80% of her body. Carmen had to experience a medically induced coma for three months and over 55 surgeries for the treatment of her burns.

"Despite our best efforts, Carmen was left severely disfigured and in constant pain. She would drool almost constantly," stated Dr. Bohdan Pomahac, the director of plastic surgery transplantation at the Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Over 30 plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses conducted the 15-hour operation to replace Carmen's damaged skin, muscles, tendons and nerves. The face donor has been identified as Cheryl Denelli Righter, a woman from Williamstown, Massachusetts who suddenly died from stroke.

Carmen Blandin Tarleton stated during the news conference held at the hospital on Wednesday, May 1, that she is now thankful to be in a happy place after the horrifying attack. "I feel great appreciation and gratitude for the tremendous gift I've been given. We're all excited to move into this new chapter of our lives together," Tarleton declared.

In 2009, Herbert Rodgers pleaded guilty to the crime of disfiguring his wife in exchange for an imprisonment of at least 30 years. After the jealousy attack, Carmen Blandin Tarleton was still able to forgive her now ex-husband from what he did to her.

"I learned that forgiveness doesn't condone anything he did and it's not about him. It's about forgiving him, it's forgiving myself, it's allowing myself to move forward and not getting stuck in the tragedy of that night," Tarleton shared.

According to Carmen Blandin Tarleton, she will continue sharing her story and experiences to other people so they can muster inner strength and deal with their own suffering and pain in life.

"There is a lot to learn and take from horrific events that happen. I want others to know that they need not give up on themselves when tragedy strikes but instead they can make a choice to find the good and allow that to help them heal."

Dr. Bohdan Pomahac expects Carmen Blandin Tarleton to regain 75-80% facial movement with a gradual increase on sensation and motor functions on a period of six months to 1 year.

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