Antonio Puts Abuse Behind Him

PONTE VEDRA, FL -- When he was just two years old, he apparently said a bad word.

Teachers and friends of Antonio Hernandez Argueta know the story well.

Antonio lived in El Salvador back then and his grandmother was angry he said a bad word, according to those who know Antonio.

The grandmother, they say, got so angry she took a hot ember from her cooking fire and burned off most of Antonio's lips.

He lived 12 years having trouble speaking and forming words, not to mention taking the comments disfigured children often have to endure.

But the Face Foundation brought Antonio to the First Coast. The Garcia brother, plastic surgeons, are performing a series of operations on Antonio. And Landrum Middle School is discovering that Antonio is a joy to have around.

Click on the video to hear from Antonio's friends, his "American Mom," and administrators at Landrum.

Turns out Antonio has something to teach all of us.

Meanwhile, Antonio is having a fundraiser so shoes can be purchased for the children at his orphanage in El Salvador.

Antonio says, especially when they play soccer, they damage their feet because they don't have shoes.

The following is information from Sherri Anthony, Dean at Landrum:

"The I.M.P.A.C.T. Team at Landrum Middle School is sponsoring a school wide fundraiser to help Antonio Hernandez Argueta and the children at the orphanage in El Savador where he is originally from before coming to the United States. There are over 500 orphans at this site that need shoes - the I.M.P.A.C.T. Team at Landrum Middle Schoolis going to "pass the hat" and ask that the student body respond to this need and donate at least $1.00 each to their 1st period teacher to help with this worthy cause In return for their donation the students will be allowed to wear a hat on May 15 while in school to show support for Antonio.

Those in the community that would like to donate financially to this cause, can do so by sending a check to Landrum Middle School made payable to:

The Face Foundation

230 Landrum Lane m

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl

32082

All prodeeds will be used for the orphans in El Salvador.

Thank you so much for time, dedication, and support concerning Antonio and the orphanage."

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