MIAMI -- Doctors say a Haitian girl who had a 16-pound mass removed from her face is doing well, and she has begun her recovery from the damage done by the tumor-like growth.

Marlie Casseus is in critical but stable condition at Holtz Children's Hospital.

Dr. Jesus Gomez of the University of Miami School of Medicine was one of the surgeons involved in the operation.

Gomez said he was extremely pleased with her progress and he called 14-year-old Marlie a "brave girl."

"I asked her in my broken Creole, 'Marlie if you're OK, give me thumbs up,' and she raised her thumb up," he said.

Marlie's face remains badly damaged by the growth, and she will need several more surgeries to correct the problems. Doctors said the next surgery will reduce the size of her mandible. They are unsure if she will be able to taste or smell, but they believe they will be able to reduce her mouth to nearly normal size.

A team of four surgeons finished operating on Marlie about 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, nearly 16 hours after the procedure began. They said the huge growth was mostly filled with fluid.

For at least the next two weeks, doctors will be watching Marlie closely for any sign of infection, so she will remain in intensive care.

Thousands of people from across the globe answered the call of the International Kids Fund to donate $95,000 to pay for Marlie's operation.

Donations poured into the IKF from people living in places like China, Iceland, Latvia, the United Kingdom and Sweden.

The IKF is entirely funded by donations from the general public and private organizations.

The organization continues to raise money for the subsequent operations Marlie will need to regain her face. All operations are being offered at charity rates.

Marlie does not have medical insurance and her family cannot afford to pay for her medical bills. Because she is not a U.S. citizen or resident, Holtz Children's Hospital is prohibited by law to tap into publicly funded resources to treat her.

To make a donation to help Marlie, send a check or money order to:

International Kids Fund
Re: Marlie Casseus
P.O. Box 012297
Miami, FL 33101

For more information, call (305) 585-5888 or (877) IKF-KIDS (453-5437).