When Ronald Poppo was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center on May 26, 2012, his future seemed bleak. He had lost a nose, an eye and most of his face.
Almost a year later, doctors say Poppo is not only healing, but is in good spirits despite his long road of recovery ahead.
In a Tuesday press conference, Jackson officials will play a taped message from Poppo and present new photos of his face, which is still healing after he was attacked on the MacArthur Causeway last Memorial Day weekend.
After several skin grafts and surgeries, he's made substantial progress in dressing and feeding himself, doctors said.
Therapists have also taught Poppo to shower and shave himself at the Jackson Memorial Perdue Medical Center in Cutler Bay.
A naked, 31-year-old Rudy Eugene attacked Poppo and stripped him of his clothes on the causeway last May, police said.
An officer eventually shot and killed Eugene after he refused to stop the attack, police said. By that point Eugene had gnawed away more than half of Poppo's face, gauged out his left eye, and severely damaged his right one.
Toxicology Report on Rudy Eugene's Body
Jackson officials said that Poppo is blind. Representatives from Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, which is helping him to regain independent living skills, will be among those providing an update on his condition Tuesday. Doctors and nurses are also expected to speak at the press conference.
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Poppo has also gained 50 pounds and taught himself guitar while recovering, officials said.
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