Discovery Fit & Health Original Series Reconstructs the Lives of Those FACING TRAUMA

-- FACING TRAUMA, Discovery Fit & Health's New Original Series Premieres on Wednesday, October 26 at 10PM ET --

SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 12, 2011 -- Discovery Fit & Health announced today the season premiere of the new original series, FACING TRAUMA, which chronicles the harrowing stories of individuals who have been left disfigured from violent circumstances, as they struggle to reconstruct their lives both physically and emotionally. FACING TRAUMA makes its world premiere debut on Wednesday, October 26 at 10PM ET, with new premieres airing weekly on Wednesdays at 10PM ET.

FACING TRAUMA follows the work of Dr. Andrew Jacono, a world-class facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has made it his mission to serve the victims of devastating acts of domestic violence and crime, as well as senseless accidents. In addition to Dr. Jacono's reconstructive work, FACING TRAUMA features licensed clinical psychiatrist, Dr. Janet E. Taylor, a certified life coach who specializes in battling the emotional impact of mental illness. From the initial consultation to the final reveal, Dr. Jacono and Dr. Taylor work to heal both the internal and external scars of victims.

Each of the five one-hour episodes of FACING TRAUMA will feature two stories of victims and their journey to recovery with Dr. Jacono and his team, as well as counseling sessions with Dr. Taylor. Stories featured in this new series include:

Alyssa / Kateshia

World Premiere: Wednesday, October 26 at 10PM ET

Alyssa, an outgoing teenager from Ohio, saw no harm in going to a concert without telling her parents. While her mother thought she was safe at a friend's house, she later awakened to a call that a drunk driver had nearly taken her daughter's life, leaving the right side of her face severely disfigured. Kateshia, a southern girl from North Carolina, loved her brother Tony. When he asked her to come along to retrieve his cell phone at a stranger's house, the event would not only take Tony's life, but would leave Kateshia with facial scars that were a painful reminder of the brother she lost. With Dr. Andrew Jacono's help both young women will be able to move on from tragedy, and begin living their lives to the fullest.

Mary / Haley

World Premiere: Wednesday, November 2 at 10PM ET

Mary, a strong Texas woman, was nearly killed from a gunshot wound when her once happy relationship turned violent. Mary and her son Zeke, who witnessed the violent attack, both hold on to vivid memories from that day, and the physical scars provide a constant reminder. Haley, a middle school girl from Mississippi survived being run over by a car driven by her step brother, but is now left with both physical and emotional scarring. As a result, she often faces teasing and ridicule at school. The repairing of physical damage by Dr. Andrew Jacono allows both Mary and Haley to move on from tragic events they once believed would leave them scarred forever.

Sharon / Christine

World Premiere: Wednesday, November 9 at 10PM ET

Sharon, a cheerful, independent woman from Oregon suffered at the hands of her jealous and controlling husband. Sharon's strength got her through a brutal attack but left her with horrific scars to her face. Christine, a compassionate woman from New York, would do anything for her family-a trait that was put to the test in her attempt to protect her mother from an abusive husband. She was doused with dangerous chemicals that burned off the skin from more than half of her body, leaving her face and her confidence a shell of what they once were. Dr. Andrew Jacono uses his talents to help both Sharon and Christine heal, not only themselves but for their children as well.

Brittany / Shakeera

World Premiere: Wednesday, November 16 at 10PM ET

Brittany, a bright young woman from Nebraska, survived a terrifying attack on Halloween night that had a mysterious connection to her abusive father. Even after several years, the deep scars in her neck still prevent her from moving past her childhood tragedy. Shakeera, a young mom from New Jersey, desperately wanted to make things work with her child's father, despite his short temper and drug habit. When the relationship crumbled, he attempted to murder Shakeera and their young son. Shakeera was able to save her son's life, but sustained severe facial injuries in the process. Dr. Andrew Jacono uses his compassion and expertise to help both Brittany and Shakeera reach their full potential.

Evelyn / Ashley

World Premiere: Wednesday, November 23 at 10PM ET

Evelyn, a young woman from Uganda fell as a political victim to the Lord's Resistance Army and was forced to work for the rebels. Though she was able to break free from her imprisonment, she could not escape the bomb that destroyed her mouth and distorted her ability to speak and eat properly. Ashley, a charismatic woman from Oregon, raised suspicions from her family when she got married without their blessings. Though it was no surprise that the marriage didn't last, nobody could have ever predicted that it would end with Ashley taking a shotgun to the back, and her ex-husband then turning the gun on himself. With Dr. Andrew Jacono's help, both Evelyn and Sharon hope to repair their lives and leave the burden of their pasts behind.

FACING TRAUMA is produced for Discovery Fit & Health by Park Slope Productions. Paul Reitano and Terrence Sacchi are executive producers for Park Slope Productions. Lynn Sadofsky is executive producer for Discovery Fit & Health.

About Discovery Fit & Health:

Discovery Fit & Health, a division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), entertains viewers with gripping, real-life dramas, featuring storytelling that chronicles the human experience from cradle to grave. Network programming includes forensic mysteries, amazing medical stories, emergency room trauma, baby and pregnancy programming, parenting challenges, and stories of extreme life conditions. Discovery Fit & Health also features popular online and social media destinations found at DiscoveryFitandHealth.com, facebook.com/DiscoveryHealth and twitter.com/disc_health.