After receiving a new face transplant from a stranger, this American man has begun a bright new life.
Joe DiMeo, now 24 years old, hails from the United States and is the first person in the world to successfully undergo a double hand and face transplant. He suffered third-degree burns over 80% of his body and had his fingertips amputated after his car crashed and caught fire in New Jersey in July 2018.
Joe DiMeo before and after the horrific accident.
Since then, DiMeo has undergone 20 reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts before doctors at NYU Langone Health performed a groundbreaking 23-hour face and double hand transplant in August 2020. The success of this surgery not only provided the young man with a new face and a new life but also marked a significant advancement in the field of medicine worldwide.
Joe’s long recovery process was led by Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, one of the top plastic surgeons in the United States.
This is the world’s first successful face transplant surgery.
Joe DiMeo’s incredible story attracted considerable attention when it was featured in the media, including from Jessica Koby, a 32-year-old nurse living in California. She reached out to DiMeo on Instagram after reading about his surgery.
The couple quickly struck up a conversation, initially bonding over their shared love for Boston Terriers and eventually realizing they were each other’s true love. After some time of long-distance dating, Koby decided to move to New Jersey to be closer to DiMeo.
The nurse expressed her deep admiration for her boyfriend’s strength and optimism in facing his unprecedented challenges.
“I love him because he is gentle, kind, and very brave. Despite everything he has been through, he remains so positive and bright,” Koby shared.
Koby, who is eight years older than DiMeo, also stated that her boyfriend is both “funny” and “very mature for his age.”
DiMeo and Koby currently live together.
Meanwhile, DiMeo confidently expressed that he never doubted he would find love despite his complete transformation in appearance: “When I was burned, I wasn’t looking for love, but I always believed it would eventually happen. Nothing has changed except my skin. Inside, I am still me.”
Currently, DiMeo can live like a normal person and even drive again.
In a recent interview, Joe DiMeo revealed new details about the donor who gave him his new face. His donor was a 48-year-old stroke victim from Delaware who passed away just two days before DiMeo’s surgery. He expressed immense gratitude for the donor and the 140 medical professionals involved in the miraculous surgery.
DiMeo now has the donated face of a 48-year-old man.
He shared: “I don’t feel strange having the face of someone nearly twice my age because I am fully ready to start my life anew. This is my new look now, and I have accepted it quite quickly. When people stare at me on the street, I don’t feel awkward. I often wear short sleeves even if it shows my burned arms.”
Looking to the future, Joe DiMeo is currently writing a book to share his journey and inspire others in similar situations.
“There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Never give up and don’t let your appearance hold you back. Always look for the good things,” DiMeo told reporters.
