Miami (eCanadaNow) - 15-year old Lai Thi Dao is awaiting surgery in Miami to remove a 16-pound Schwannoma tumor, which is on her face.

The tumor has been growing on her face since she was 3-years old.

It has grown to the point, as seen in the picture, where her face is disfigured completely.

She can't attend school, and needs surgery so that it will not suffocate her to death.  She also has trouble speaking and eating.

The surgery to remove the tumor is scheduled to take place on April 19 at the Jackson Memorial Hospital.  It will be a 10-hour surgery.

The teen hopes to return to school once she is back in Vietnam following the surgery.