Update on my nephew Jeff

American Society of Plastic Surgeons ^ | August 2005

[BulletBobCo]

Name: Jeff

Profession: Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps

Reconstructive Procedure: Skin Graft

United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jeff Valluzzi, 21, was in his second deployment to Iraq when the Humvee he and a fellow Marine were riding in came under heavy fire.

“It was November 16, 2004 - the initial push into Fallujah - when the enemy got a location on us and started dropping mortars,” says Valluzzi. “Two hit the Humvee, one went through the door and the other hit the motor. Shrapnel went through my face, feet and legs. I got out of the Humvee and fell to the ground. A gunfight ensued and a buddy pulled me into an alley. Minutes later, more incoming mortars destroyed the Humvee.”

Valluzzi was taken to a medical center in northern Fallujah as gunfire rattled the transport vehicle. He was not yet aware the heel, side and top of his left foot were gone. “At the medi-center they took off my left boot and it hurt real bad – my heel was left inside the boot,” he says.

After emergency surgery to stabilize him, Valluzzi was transported by helicopter to Baghdad for another surgery and then to Germany for two more surgeries.

“It wasn’t until I was in Germany that I realized I might lose both my legs (from below the knees),” says Valluzzi. From Germany he was flown to the U.S. Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) where he was under the care of U.S. Navy Commander James Amsberry, MD, an ASPS Military Active member surgeon.

“In addition to the injuries to his feet, Jeff had exposed bone and tissue loss on his lower leg,” says Dr. Ambsberry. “We performed a latissimus dorsi free tissue transfer to cover the area and then put a skin graft on top of that. We were able to preserve his feet and lower legs.”

Dr. Ambsberry says Valuzzi was one of dozens of high-trauma patients arriving at NMCSD during the two-week offensive to secure Fallujah.

“It is a real privilege to treat Jeff and so many other military men and women like him,” says Dr. Amsberry. “Compassion means to ‘walk with them’ through not just the technical and clinical aspects, but through the whole reconstructive process. They are the men and women out there with so many stories of heroism. Their courage is inspiring, and we can be proud of them and all they do.”

And what does Valluzzi say about Dr. Amsberry? “He is the best doctor I ever had – he’s my friend and the best guy I ever met. I want people to know that plastic surgery is not all about cosmetics and aesthetic enhancement – plastic surgeons save limbs.”

Valluzzi has had 15 surgeries so far, with three or four yet to come. Through it all he’s had the support of his new bride, Nicole. They were married on June 19 in San Diego, and Valluzzi, thanks in part to plastic surgery, was able to walk down the aisle without aid of crutches or a cane. “He is the best doctor I ever had – he’s my friend and the best guy I ever met. I want people to know that plastic surgery is not all about cosmetics and aesthetic enhancement – plastic surgeons save limbs.”

[SouthTexas]

Thank you very much for the update. Will continue to keep your nephew, and all the rest in Harms Way, in my prayers.

[wizr]

Thanks for the update. God bless you, Jeff, and the family.

[destinyvalluzzi]

marines like this deserve to live
they fight for us
and im veryy proud of my brother jeff

[IslandJeff]

Give your brother our best. Nice to hear a biennial update.

[hershey]

Prayers from here for Jeff.