Patrick Hardison can now drive his kids to school by himself because he has a car. He can do a lot of things, like swim, run his fingers through his hair, and blink.
He doesn’t have to worry about people gazing at him or youngsters being terrified of him while he’s out in public.
The 42-year-old Senatobia, Mississippi resident and volunteer firefighter couldn’t do anything until about a year ago. He looked very different.
In 2001, Hardison received serious burns on his face while putting out a fire at his house. He lost his hair, eyelids, ears, lips, and nose. He used baseball caps and sunglasses to cover up his scars.
Hardison had the biggest soft tissue face transplant ever last year. After that, his life and appearance changed a lot. He says that the procedure saved his life.
Hardison stated during a news conference on Wednesday, “I’d like to say that I’m the same old Pat, but that wouldn’t do justice to the wonderful things I’ve been through in the past year.”
He said, “After my injury, life was hard. I was mad with everyone. “I’m here today to show people that life goes on after the damage.” It means a lot to me to be able to tell my story to other injured firefighters, first responders, and members of the US military. If telling my story inspires even one person want to learn more about face transplants, I will consider it a success. “I have to tell other people who are hurting that I have hope now,” she added.
Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez was in charge of a team of over 100 surgeons and other medical specialists at New York University Langone Medical Center that did the groundbreaking surgery on Hardison.
More than 20 people have had full or partial face transplants in hospitals and clinics all across the world since 2005.
The team used the likeness of David Rodebaugh, a 26-year-old bike mechanic from Brooklyn who died in a bike accident and had his organs given through the Live On NY donor network.
After 12 hours of operation, Hardison obtained Rodebaugh’s face.
Rodriguez and his team provided Hardison a new face, scalp, ears, and ear canals, as well as bone from his chin, cheeks, and nose.
His eyelids and the muscles that made him blink were likewise modified. This was the first occasion that an eyelid was moved from one person to another.
Hardison believes his eyesight is “very good,” but he can’t see clearly without eyelids.
“It felt like I could only see through pinholes,” he added. Hardison’s new eyelids are working well, and his doctors are still amazed that he hasn’t had a serious rejection episode in the last year.
Rodriguez said on Wednesday that Hardison’s new eyes were “one of the most amazing parts of this transplant.” He also said that Hardison’s new hair and face color are now “very similar” to those of his kids.
Rodriguez believes Patrick has three faces: the one he was born with, the one he received from burns, and this one.
Hardison had roughly four more surgeries after his first repair. These included fixing his new eyelids and lips, taking out the feeding line from his stomach, and putting his trachea back together with his windpipe.
He is thankful that he can eat normally again. “Look at me now,” he added with a laugh, pointing to the 30 pounds he had acquired.
While he was on a family trip to Disney World, Hardison also visited the fire department, which named a fire vehicle after him. Rodriguez added that Hardison wouldn’t need any further treatments, but they would keep an eye on his face swelling for the following year.
“Significant decreases in swelling of the eyelids and middle of the face have been seen.” Rodriguez said, “The lower part of the face is less swollen.”
Hardison, on the other hand, has new intentions. “I’m looking forward to going back to work.” He said. “I would love to give speeches to inspire others.” God designed us in His image so that we could enjoy this world to the utmost. That’s what I’m going to do.