Firefighter Patrick Hardison describes how his life has been
"renewed" a year after his historic 26-hour operation.
An American firefighter given a face transplant one
year ago has described how he now feels like "a normal guy".
Patrick Hardison, 42, from Senatobia, Mississippi, was
badly injured when he ran into a burning house to rescue
a woman in 2001.
His face was burned beyond recognition when the roof of the
house collapsed on top of him.
In August 2015 Mr Hardison received a historic operation which
saw his burned face peeled off and replaced with that of
26-year-old New York cyclist David Rodebaugh
Mr Hardison described how his life has been
'renewed'
Speaking at a news conference to mark the first anniversary of
the 26-hour operation, Mr Hardison said: "I'm here today
because I want others to see that there is hope beyond the
injury.
"I'm especially proud to share my story with other injured
firefighters, first responders and US military.
"If sharing my story helps just one person explore the
possibility of face transplants, then it's worth it."
Mr Hardison, surrounded by his wife and children, went on:
"I guess you all want to know how I am doing. Well, I'm happy to
tell you I'm doing great.
"I like to say that I'm the same old Pat, but that would not
give enough credit to the amazing journey that I have gone through
over the past year.
"The road to recovery has been long and hard, but if I had the
opportunity to do it again, I would in a heartbeat."
He said how he can now enjoy activities with his family
again.
"My family and I took a trip to Disney World this past June and
I swam in the pool with my children for the first time in 15
years," he said.
Mr Rodebaugh's mother gave permission for her son's face
to be donated
He told how his new eyelids and ability to blink meant his sight
had improved and he could drive a car once more. He said he was
sleeping more soundly as well.
"It's just great," he said.
"No more stares from strangers. I'm pretty much back to being a
normal guy, doing normal activities.
"My life has changed and it has been renewed."
He thanked his medical team of more than 100 doctors, nurses and
support staff who were involved in the transplant at the NYU
Langone Medical Centre in New York City and where he has had
several follow-up procedures.
He continues to have monthly check-ups and will remain on immune
suppressants for the rest of his life.
Surgeon Dr Eduardo Rodriquez, who was in charge of the
procedure, said he was amazed by his patient's recovery and that it
had "surpassed all of our expectations".
Mr Rodebaugh was identified as a potential donor after he
died when he hit his head during a bicycle collision with a
pedestrian.
His mother gave permission for his face to be donated to Mr
Hardiman, noting her son always wanted to be a firefighter.
Mr Hardison is going to meet Mr Rodebaugh's family later this
year.
The first partial face transplant was carried out by doctors in
France in 2005 to restore the face of a woman who had been mauled
by her dog.