Until I had a face transplant after 50 hours of surgery, I was stared at. It’s the best gift. I’m looking for a wife right now…
Derek had 58 face reconstruction surgeries over six years. He lost an eye, couldn’t blink, speak well, or eat normally, and needed a feeding tube. Still, he says, “I should have died that night, so I’m thankful to be alive.”
In 2020, doctors told him a face transplant was his only hope. The Mayo Clinic offered to perform their most complex surgery yet. Derek agreed, knowing 85% of his face would be replaced using parts from a deceased donor.
The surgery took 2.5 days. After a month, Derek saw his new face. His mother Lisa said, “Now no one stares—he looks like anyone else.”
Suicide is the leading cause of death under 35 in the UK. The You’re Not Alone campaign aims to raise awareness and offer help. Derek and Lisa now share his story to inspire others and prevent suicide.
“If our story saves even one life, it’s worth it,” Derek says. He dreams of love, marriage, and a family. His second chance means everything.
