Patrick Hardison suffered life-altering injuries in a house fire while trying to rescue a woman he believed to be trapped inside.
The blaze left him with third-degree burns covering his entire face and scalp. For years, he wore a baseball cap, sunglasses, and prosthetic ears in public, as he faced the painful reality of his new appearance.
Patrick recalled how children would run away when they saw him, and the emotional toll was immense. However, everything changed for him in 2015, when he underwent the most extensive face transplant in history.
Reports say that Patrick had only a 50/50 chance of surviving the face transplant. Yet, after a 26-hour surgery involving over 100 medical professionals, the procedure was a success. Today, Patrick Hardison enjoys life with his wife and children.
The medical field has made remarkable advances in recent years, and one of the most extraordinary achievements is the ability to perform face transplants. Since Isabelle Dinoire became the first person to undergo the procedure in 2005, face transplants have become a potential solution for individuals like Patrick who have suffered extreme facial disfigurement.
Patrick, who had been a volunteer firefighter, responded to a house fire in 2001 that changed his life forever. During the incident, the house collapsed on him, leaving him with severe facial burns and other devastating injuries. The fire destroyed his ears, lips, much of his nose, and eyelids. For years, he could not form normal facial expressions and even struggled with basic functions like eating, blinking, or laughing without pain.
As the years passed, Patrick’s appearance made it difficult for him to interact with others, especially his children, who were often frightened. Patrick’s life became a constant struggle with public stares and isolation. He wore a baseball cap, sunglasses, and prosthetics to shield himself from the world’s judgment.
Despite the trauma, Patrick never gave up on the possibility of getting his face back. In 2005, the first-ever face transplant was performed on Isabelle Dinoire. Still, it wasn’t until a year later that a breakthrough came for Patrick, when he was referred to Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez at NYU Langone Medical Center. After extensive efforts to find a suitable donor, the breakthrough came when David Rodebaugh, a 26-year-old man who had died in a bike accident, was identified as a potential match.
David’s family, led by his mother, Nancy Millar, agreed to donate his organs, including his face, to help Patrick. This act of kindness and generosity became the turning point in Patrick’s journey.
On the day of the surgery, Dr. Rodriguez and his team worked tirelessly for 26 hours, performing the most extensive soft-tissue face transplant ever undertaken. The procedure was not without risks, and Patrick had only a 50/50 chance of survival. But he pushed forward, hoping for a new life.
Before the surgery, Patrick shared a heartfelt moment with his eldest daughter, Alison, expressing his hope of one day being able to walk her down the aisle without needing to wear a cap and sunglasses. This moment solidified his determination to undergo the procedure, despite the risks.
The surgery was a success, but the recovery process was long and challenging. Patrick faced complications, including fluctuations in blood pressure, airway issues, and swelling, but over time, his new face healed. He had to relearn how to speak and swallow, and he faced emotional struggles as he adjusted to his new appearance.
Perhaps the most emotional moment in Patrick’s recovery was meeting David Rodebaugh’s mother. Nancy had always known her son’s wish to help others through organ donation, and she was moved to meet Patrick, knowing that her son’s face would help him live again. Their meeting was deeply emotional, and they connected as though they were family.
Seven years after the transplant, Patrick has continued to heal, though he still takes anti-rejection medication to prevent his body from attacking the transplanted tissue. Despite the challenges, he is grateful for his new life and wants to inspire others who have faced similar struggles. Patrick has written a book and hopes his journey can offer hope to others who feel hopeless.
“I want people to know that no matter how tough things get, it’s never too late to find hope. You can accomplish anything,” he said.
Today, Patrick is an inspiring example of resilience, and his recovery is a testament to the incredible work of medical professionals, especially Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and his team. Patrick’s story is one of strength, hope, and the power of human compassion.
Please share Patrick’s remarkable journey with others to honor the medical professionals and his donor’s family who made his recovery possible.