SENATOBIA, Miss. — It was a hero’s homecoming for a man who made history after receiving the most extensive face transplant to date.
Patrick Hardison returned home to Senatobia where hundreds of people braved the cold to show their support for the volunteer firefighter.
The community has rallied around him since he was severely burned.
In 2001, Hardison entered a burning home on a rescue search, but the roof collapsed on him, and his firefighter’s mask burned onto his face.
He was left with disfiguring burns across his entire face, neck and upper torso.
After 70 reconstructive surgeries, Hardison now has a new face and a new lease on life.
Hardison’s surgery took two days, including 12 hours to remove his face.
He was given a new face, along with a scalp, ears and ear canals.
Hardison’s donor was David Rodebaugh, he died in a biking accident on August 12.
“I don’t care where it is, when one of your family members gets hurt, small towns band together and take care of each other,” a community member said. “And there are people here that have known Pat all his life.”
Hardison will have to take medication for the rest of his life to keep his body from rejecting the new face.
For now, though, people told WREG the only thing on his mind is spending time with family this Thanksgiving.
