Octavio Sanchez

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

"The Operation Mend family gave me a second chance at blending in with the normal population."

In 2005, Marine Staff Sergeant Octavio Sanchez’s Humvee drove over an improvised explosive device in Ramadi, Iraq. His life story is one that epitomizes resilience and the indomitable human spirit. The explosion left him with third-degree burns over nearly 70 percent of his face and body, leading to the amputation of his right hand and loss of use of his left hand. His face was unrecognizable. Military surgeons gave Octavio the disheartening news that there was nothing more that could be done.

Through their unwavering dedication and expertise, Operation Mend’s skilled UCLA Health-affiliated surgeons embarked on a remarkable journey of reconstruction. They built a nose from the skin on Octavio's forehead, carefully implanting part of one of his ribs for structural support. Nostrils were meticulously crafted from remnants of his ear cartilage, and his lips and cheeks were painstakingly reconstructed. Octavio underwent numerous surgeries on his face and hand, each a testament to his determination to reclaim his appearance. Octavio’s journey not only restored his physical appearance, enabling him to enjoy a more normal life, but also rekindled his sense of self. Octavio's story serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, the human spirit can prevail. 

“There’s no reason you should focus on what you can’t do. You have to focus on what you can do and prosper from that. The Operation Mend family gave me a second chance at blending in with the normal population.”