Enormous tumor removed

A Vietnamese teenager is finally able to smile after doctors in Miami removed a 12 pound tumor from her face. This is Lai Ti Dao, 4 months after surgery that saved her life and restored her face. This was 15-year-old Lai in April when she arrived from Vietnam. The 12 pound tumor had growing in her jaw since she was three.

Dr. Robert Marx of the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital says "the tumor is gone, with no recurrence. She's undergone physical therapy, she's undergone speech therapy. She can now swallow."

Dr. Jesus Gomez of the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital says "the recovery period for Lai has been very, very positive and I think she's extremely happy, and she's a different person right now, and the most important thing is the most complicated part of the treatment is already done."

The International Kids Fund raised more than $100,000 to cover the cost of Lai's care. Through a translator, Lai's mother expressed her gratitude and described the biggest change in her daughter.

The translator says "she's very happy, and definitely feels lighter in her face, for sure. And she's learning Spanish, she's learning English, and writing and drawing. She's such a happy girl right now."

Lai is one of 7 children. She is looking forward to attending school for the first time in her life. Before than can happen, Lai will needs another operation October 10th.

Dr. Robert Marx says "to reconstruct the bone that was lost during her tumor surgery, she's missing three fourths of her lower jaw and that's planned to be reconstructed with some genetic technology."

Doctors say Lai and her mother will go back home to Vietnam in November but eventually she'll have to come back for dental implants.