A soldier from Indianapolis, Indiana has received the nations fourth full facial transplant on Tuesday morning at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
30-year-old Army Private Mitch Hunter (pictured above before the surgery) suffered the tragic facial disfigurement after saving a woman’s life during a car accident ten years ago, during which he pushed a live wire off her and suffered a severe shock.
So sad, but we’re so happy he was FINALLY able to have corrective surgery performed!
The 14 hour procedure required a team of more than 30 physicians, nurses, and anesthesiologists to get the job done, but according to lead surgeon, Dr. Bohdan Pomahac, it all went smoothly. He said in a statement:
“I am very grateful to the entire transplant team for working so well together, ensuring that Mitch’s procedure went smoothly and putting him on course for a successful recovery and new life.”
This young hero sacrificed his face for a woman’s life, but luckily, someone was kind of enough to sacrifice their organs after their passing in return.
The anonymous family whose son’s organs were used in the transplant said in a statement:
“We are very proud that our beloved son’s wishes were to donate his organs and tissue, helping as many people as possible. We are honored to respect his wishes. When we heard that there was a match for his facial tissue, we were overwhelmed and did not hesitate to say yes. We are so very happy that the transplant is progressing well. It is a gift to us to know that another young man’s life could be so positively changed because of our son’s giving spirit. Though we grieve our loss, we are also joyful that his passing has made this miracle possible.”
This is truly a miraculous procedure performed on someone who couldn’t have deserved it more!
We’d like to wish the best for Private Mitch Hunter and thank him for not only his service to this country, but his selfless act that cost him his face 10 years ago.
[Image courtesy of Lightchaser Photography/BWH]