Chimp Attack Victim Might Soon Be Discharged
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 | Updated 10:00 AM EST
For the next two years, Charla Nash will go through surgeries as she recovers from a vicious chimp attack in Stamford in February that left her disfigured, blind and near death. Her brothers are by her side through her recovery.
Charla Nash might soon leave the Cleveland Clinic, where she has been treated since earlier this year when Travis, a 200-pound chimp mauled her.
Attorney William Monaco said Nash has an unstoppable spirit and will go to a rehabilitation center after she leaves the hospital.
During the February attack in Stamford, the chimp ripped off Nash's hands, nose, lips and eyelids.
Monaco told Cleveland.com that Nash still needs 24-hour care and will need reconstructive surgery to restore ability to breathe through her nose. She is also hoping for a face transplant, he said.
The Cleveland Clinic was the first to perform a near-total face transplant in the country.
Oprah Winfrey interviewed Nash on Tuesday for an episode of her talk show that airs Wednesday afternoon.
Chicago-based Harpo Productions said in a Monday statement that Nash would discuss how she's adjusting, how she maintains her spirit, and what the future holds.
Nash, who is just adjusting to primitive prosthetics, is currently suing Sandra Herold, the owner of the chimp, and the state of Connecticut in relation to the mauling. Her friends have created a Web site, Friends of Charla Nash, to provide updates on her progress.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Connecticut
Posted Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 - 9:44 AM EST
