After Lisa’s recent story hit the headlines in the Sunday Mirror and was picked up around the globe we have taken this opportunity to address some of the questions sent into us about this subject.
Q1 - Susan from Richmond, UK:
Most people when faced with dying think about what life means to them on a deeper level and not about superficial things, so why are you having cosmetic surgery when you are dying anyway?
Answer - Lisa Connell:
I have wanted cosmetic surgery from a very early age. I’ve never been confident with my body and as I’ve got older this has not changed in fact with the side effects of my condition this has simply got worse, with my self confidence at an all time low. I have always wanted breasts supporting themselves well enough that I can wear tops and dresses without worrying about a bra showing. I’ve had trouble buying bras in my size and every bra shopping trip ends up in tears.
Yes, I may have months to live...... Or even years. My tumour is inoperable and no neurosurgeon will come near me, the only surgeon that came through with some level of hope was offering me a 50/50 percent chance that I’d end up brain dead and a 70/30% chance I’d be left completely paralysed down my left side.
I’m a young woman who has a love for life, travelling the world and wanting to live the dream, which 29 year old doesn’t?!
I have to live whatever life I have left to the fullest and be as happy as I can with myself and if that means that having surgery is going to make me happier then that’s just what I need to do. Rent a Date for Charity is my life. I live and breathe for this campaign and to help others, how can I fully help others if I cannot first help myself in whatever way I can?
I have never been religious but I am starting to believe that I am here for a purpose. If that purpose only lasts a short while I’d be happy because if I have made a difference to one or two people’s lives then that’s what this is all about for me.
The papers can be very crude in their headlines. We all know the headline is what sells the papers and magazines; things are not always what they seem.
Q2 - Ben from Essex, UK:
It seems very selfish, why are you not donating that money to charity?
Answer - Lisa Connell:
I am doing all I can for others through my campaign, raising both awareness and funding for the cause to support sufferers and have more research done into brain tumours and other diseases. I am a very giving and caring person in my daily life and my friends and family would say the same thing. I am starting to realise that to do good for others does not mean I need to sacrifice my own happiness in the process, if I can do both then why not?
Q3 - Mrs Alexander from Boston, USA:
Why did you go public with your surgery story?
Answer - Lisa Connell:
I desperately need to raise awareness of my cause. I am not getting income to cover the running costs as yet and what makes Rent a Date for Charity what it is, apparently is my story behind it and what happens in my life since having the diagnosis. Now, originally when all this started I didn’t want my face anywhere because of my low self esteem and lack of self confidence. I had no idea the emphasis would be around me and not just my campaign.
I honestly thought my idea which was unique would be the main interest. Before I knew it things were going into overdrive and it’s stayed that way ever since. I see now that if I get my face out there more it will hopefully bring people to the site where they can help me to raise as much as possible before I die. I was told by someone in media that it would be a good story so I went with it fingers crossed, hoping that they were right.
Q4 - Yokuto from Tokyo, Japan:
Why do you want to look like Demi Moore?
Answer - Lisa Connell:
I don’t. Demi Moore is an absolutely stunning woman and it has been mentioned that I have similar features even before she had all that surgery done, back in the early days in the 1980’s/90’s she was just as stunning. If someone asks me who do I think is beautiful in the public eye I would have to say Demi Moore.
Besides....I wouldn’t mind an indecent proposal LOL ;o)
Q5 - Prakesh from Mumbai, India:
How much money did you get for the story?
Answer - Lisa Connell:
I haven’t received a penny.
All the money we get (which is next to nothing) goes straight to the charities and a tiny percentage to help me try and cover some of the running costs of the campaign. The paper/magazine sometimes pay a fee but this again goes into the running costs of rent a date. I’m interested in raising the profile and awareness of brain tumours. I am just like everyone else I have ambition and drive and like most people I want to succeed, this campaign is no different.
Q6 - Ellie from Cardiff, UK:
Are you not worried that you may not recover from surgery?
Answer - Lisa Connell:
NO.
I’ve had surgical procedures in the past i.e. removal of tonsils etc....
I’m fine under general antithetic the only slight risk for me is that my recovery time will be longer and I have to have lots of rest and vitamins to help my body recover that’s all. All surgery has risks and I guess considering the percentage is low for this type of procedure its one I’m willing to take if it will make me a happier person and confident in public to do more charitable work.
Q7 - Douglas from New South Wales, Australia:
Have you heard from Demi Moore?
Answer - Lisa Connell:
Yes I have actually, Demi twittered about me recently wanting to get hold of the girl who wanted to look like her then tell me I didn’t need to do it. Funny enough since these questions and answers she then twittered again having read my blog she then referred everyone to this page to state that actually she realised that I was doing just as she had to boost my own confidence for myself and no one else.
