Connie Culp, First U.S. Face Transplant Dies

Lifebanc learned of the passing of Connie Culp, the nation’s first face transplant recipient. Connie worked with Lifebanc to raise awareness for organ, eye, and tissue donation and was an inspiration to everyone who heard her story.

Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc CEO said “I am honored to share what Connie meant to us over the years. She was a pioneer and a courageous person. She went into the unknown and forged a path for face transplant recipients around the world. Connie was a great advocate for organ donation and was profoundly grateful to the donor family who allowed her to have a much-improved life. I will miss her sense of humor the most. Our condolences and thoughts go out to Connie’s family in this sad time.”

Lifebanc, the organ recovery agency in northeast Ohio, worked closely with the donor family to be able to provide this unique and life-changing gift to Connie. We are grateful for their willingness to be the first family in the U.S. to provide such generous gift to help a stranger in need.

Face transplants are rare and special requests. However, there is still an urgent need for more registered organ, eye, and tissue donor to help those on the national waiting list. Register to save and heal lives now.