More Hope
In June of 2003 Yulce was admitted to the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles for treatment of burn injuries. She received 12 surgeries in her first year and returned home in June of 2004. Her story was made into a documentary called “A Face For Yulce” which was shown here in the U.S. and all over the world. It was a great story of hope and determination.
In 2006, she displayed her strength and courage as she came back to the U.S. for more surgery. This time she also underwent surgeries to repair curvature of the spine resulting from the burns. She remained in the U.S. for more than three years before returning to her home in June of 2009. Yulce had changed a lot in her outer appearance, spoke perfect English and enjoyed the same things an average American teen does.
On the trip back to Indonesia she verbalized her fears about going back to village life. She had lived a middle-class life in Los Angeles and now she was going home to a much different way of life. She was very concerned about it.
Now, two years later, it is evident that she has actually done very well in all the adjustments to life at home. She has accepted her family and has settled back into life in her village.
IFC Director, Carl Cady has been contacted by a production company that wants to do a follow-up story on Yulce. They believe her story is needed at this time. There are many people who are struggling and could use a message of hope.
A lot of work needs to be done and Yulce has yet to agree to the new program. Her amazing story is a message that will encourage others to be more hopeful as they face their own challenges. Her life is marked with courage, strength and hope. She will be an example of these qualities to all who meet her.