Cassidy Hooper Was Born Without Eyes or a Nose

In May 2019, Cassidy Hooper walked across a graduation stage in Charlotte, North Carolina, and received her college degree. It was a milestone reached after years of reconstructive surgery and learning to navigate the world independently.

Born With an Extremely Rare Condition

Cassidy was born without eyes or a nose, a congenital condition doctors could not fully explain. According to ABC News, the rest of her brain and heart developed normally.

Cassidy Hooper receives her associate degree from Central Piedmont Community College in May 2019

Years of Reconstructive Surgery

Beginning around age 11, Cassidy underwent skin grafts and facial reconstruction at Levine Children’s Hospital. Surgeons expanded the skin above her mouth, created nasal passages and an airway, repositioned her jaw, and eventually built an external nose using skin and bone or cartilage from her body.

Her final major reconstruction took place in 2013. ABC News reported that the procedure allowed Cassidy to breathe and experience smell through her reconstructed nose.

Cassidy Hooper poses with her sisters Ashton and Lexi in 2013

Learning to Live Independently

Cassidy attended the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh. While still a teenager, she regularly traveled alone by bus between Raleigh and her home in Charlotte while also participating in jobs, charitable work and school activities.

WBTV first introduced viewers to Cassidy in 2008 and continued following her progress for more than a decade. Her goal of working in radio broadcasting remained with her as she grew older.

Cassidy Hooper with WBTV anchor Molly Grantham on July 1, 2013, during her multi-stage nasal reconstruction

The Day She Earned Her Degree

At 22, Cassidy graduated from Central Piedmont Community College with an associate degree in arts. Her reaction and the graduation ceremony were also captured in a WFMY News 2 video.

“I don’t need easy, I just need possible,” Cassidy said after crossing the stage. She planned to continue exploring radio broadcasting, worship ministry and opportunities to work at her former school.

Another Operation After Graduation

Two months later, Cassidy underwent another major reconstruction after the bridge of her nose began collapsing. WBTV reported that surgeons used three sections of bone from her skull to rebuild it, and her family said she returned home to recover.