Recently, a man who underwent the world's first face and hand transplant has found love five years after a devastating accident left him with 80% of his body covered in third-degree burns.
Despite the huge physical and emotional challenges he faced, Joe has had a positive turn with the recent development in his personal life.
Before the accident, Joe was a vibrant and active 27-year-old, passionate about outdoor activities and his career in engineering.
However, he was unfortunately involved in a fire incident that resulted in severe burns across his body. The accident not only left him physically scarred but also significantly impacted his mental health.
The turning point in his recovery came when he became the recipient of a groundbreaking medical procedure, a simultaneous face and double hand transplant.
This major surgery, performed in 2021, provided Joe with a new face and hands, restoring both his appearance and some functionality to his hands.
In the following months, Joe had 20 reconstructive plastic surgeries and skin grafts.
In August 2020, he spent 23 hours undergoing groundbreaking transplants. The face he received was donated by a 48-year-old stroke victim.
While the physical recovery was challenging and ongoing, Joe's emotional recovery proved to be equally arduous.
The support of his family, friends, and medical team played a crucial role in helping him navigate through the difficulties of adapting to his new reality.
After reading about Joe's surgeries, 32-year-old nurse Jessica Koby from California reached out to him on Instagram to connect.
Jessica and Joe developed a long-distance relationship, and Jessica later moved closer to be with him. They both share a love for Boston Terriers and have been getting to know each other over the past 2 years.
Jessica shared, "We initially developed a long-distance relationship and then I moved from Southern California to be closer to him, and things have been wonderful since then."
Joe says that despite the difficulties, he has always tried to maintain a positive and optimistic outlook on life.
He stated, "I always try to find the positives in life. I can't change the past, but I can control my future."
He also revealed that the surgery involved taking the skin, muscles, tendons, nerves, and veins to ensure proper blood flow to the skin.
When he woke up, nurses and occupational therapists were immediately at his side. The recovery process was incredibly challenging.
For the first few weeks, he couldn't move his fingers and required assistance to initiate muscle memory.
He worked on regaining movement by pinching each finger, picking up foam cubes, and trying to grab a water bottle.
Seeing Joe for the first time after the surgery brought joy to his parents and everyone else.
He said he lost many fake friends after the accident, which was sad at first. But then he realized who his real friends were and appreciated them more. His true friends always supported him.
People often look at Joe, but it doesn't bother him. He is 6'1 and broad, and he often wears short sleeves, so his burnt arms are visible.
He understands why people stare and doesn't mind it. Joe doesn't feel sorry for himself.
Joe is writing a book and looking for a new house because his apartment is too small. He also wants to get his own car.
He will take medication for the rest of his life, about 15 pills a day. The main pills prevent his transplants from being rejected, and the others are electrolytes that the transplant medications take away.
