Stephanie Kuleba

Boca Raton, Florida high school senior, head cheerleader and honor student, Stephanie Kuleba, died March 22, 2008, after surgery to correct inverted areolas and asymmetrical breasts. Doctors believe that malignant hyperthermia, a genetic disorder which causes an adverse reaction to anesthetics, may be to blame. In a March 31, 2008 interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today Show, Kuleba's mother said that the family had done extensive research on the elective surgery and "felt confident this was the right decision." The Kuebla family's attorney, Roberto Stanziale appeared on the same show, claiming that Stephanie Kuleba received only a fraction of the drug that could have saved her from succumbing to malignant hyperthermia.

Fast Facts:

1. Full name: Stephanie Jude Kuleba
2. Born: October 25, 1989
3. Attended West Boca High School
4. Accepted at University of Florida
5. Planned on being a doctor
6. Parents: Joanne and Tom Kuleba (divorced)
7. Almost 1000 people attended her March 26, 2008 funeral at St. Jude Catholic Church in Boca Raton

Quotes:

1. Vicki Goldring, friend: "She was a role model for a lot of people...She was incredibly smart. She wanted to help people. She was just a happy 18-year-old girl."
2. Benny Perlman, friend: "The surgery itself was very personal...She was a wonderful person and she changed all our lives."

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