Firefighter suffers third-degree burns – this is him 7 years later

Patrick Hardison, a volunteer firefighter, suffered severe injuries in a house fire while trying to rescue a woman in 2001. He sustained third-degree burns to his face, scalp, neck, and torso, losing most of his facial features. Despite enduring 71 surgeries, he couldn’t eat, blink, or form normal expressions. For years, he lived with pain and public reactions, including children running away from him.

In 2015, Patrick underwent the most extensive face transplant ever performed. The procedure took 26 hours and involved a team of 100 doctors. Patrick’s donor was David Rodebaugh, a young man who had died in a bike accident. His mother, Nancy Millar, generously donated David’s face to Patrick, helping him regain a “normal” life.

Though the surgery carried a 50/50 chance of survival, it was a success. Patrick now lives with a new face and has become an advocate for hope and recovery. He hopes to inspire others to never give up, showing that anything is possible even after such devastating injuries. He continues to work on his recovery and share his journey to help others.