Face-transplant recipient meets dead donor’s sister
15 years ago, Richard Norris experienced a horrifying situation that changed his life. While in a drunken argument with his mother and raging about suicide, he pulled a shotgun out of his closet and accidentally blew off part of his face, his lips, teeth and tongue. He became an immediate candidate for a face transplant, but it wasn't until only a few years ago that it became a reality.
This image shows the progress of the transplant procedure
The transplanted face came from Joshua Aversano, a man who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2012.
The surgery also had a 50/50 chance of success, in which failure meant death. Richard went for it and the transplant became a success (and only the 23rd facial transplant in human history). He still faces restrictions; his body is constantly adapting to the new face and requires some non-rejection drugs. He also has to limit his time in direct sunlight so that he doesn't get sunburned.
Recently, for the first time, the sister of the donor was able to meet Richard face to face, all captured on video
After experiencing the 36 hour surgery and still facing the challenge of adapting, it was worth it for Norris. “I am now able to walk past people and no one even gives me a second look,’’ he said.
