Coarsegold girl recovering after surgery to give her a smile

COARSEGOLD, Calif. (KFSN) -- It was all smiles at Coarsegold Elementary School. Not just because it was the first day of school, but also because of one smile in particular-- Hannah Lockwood's.

Our reporter asked, "What are some of the things that make you smile?"

Hannah replied, "When JJ says something funny."

The first grader is recovering from corrective surgery she underwent two and half weeks ago to reverse the effects of Moebius Syndrome. The condition left her face partially paralyzed.

Although it'll take some therapy to learn how to activate the muscles to smile, Hannah noticed a difference almost immediately.

Kevin Lockwood, Hannah's father, said, "She actually stopped and stared at herself in the mirror, and she said to us, I've got my smile now."

Her full smile will come in time. Which was part of the reason behind Thursday's school-wide rally.

"They did a wonderful job just kind of explaining to the kids, 'hey here's the great news. It happened. She's back at school already,' and realize that she's in the process of still healing and learning how to do this," said Kevin.

Something so many are excited to watch after pitching in to help raise money for the procedure.

"It's been such a blessing to us to watch the whole greater community come together to help her, to support her, to encourage her," said Sarah Lockwood, Hannah's mother.

Because now, something that once brought out stares is now spreading smiles.

"What are you looking forward to," asked our reporter.

Hannah replied, "Smiling like mommy."