Patrick Hardison received a new face after third-degree burns, this is him today

The life story of Patrick Hardison of Mississippi is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2015, he became the first American to undergo a full face transplant after a devastating house fire left his face and neck severely disfigured.

Patrick’s life had been full and meaningful until tragedy struck in 2001.

He had previously served as a volunteer firefighter, so when the call came in about a house fire, he responded without hesitation. While inside the burning structure, the building collapsed, trapping him beneath the debris. Unable to move, Patrick suffered catastrophic burns to his face and upper body.

“My mask was melting onto my face,” Patrick later recalled. “My hose had already melted.”