A man who underwent the world’s first face and double hand transplant has announced his engagement.
In 2018, Joe DiMeo experienced a devastating car accident after dozing off at the wheel following a night shift.
The crash caused his vehicle to collide with a curb and catch fire, resulting in Joe sustaining third-degree burns over 80 percent of his body.
Due to the extent of his injuries, Joe was placed in a medically induced coma for two months after the accident.
He subsequently endured 20 reconstructive surgeries while doctors searched for a suitable match for a transplant.
In August 2020, Joe underwent a groundbreaking face and double hand transplant, a procedure that took surgeons 23 hours to complete.
Despite a reported six percent chance of success, the surgery was successful for Joe.
Now 26, Joe has found love and recently got engaged to his girlfriend Jessica, as shared on Instagram.
In a touching photo, Jessica leans her head on Joe’s shoulder while they stand together in a forest, prominently displaying her engagement ring.
“I love you Joe,” Jessica wrote alongside the photos. “Can’t wait to get married.”
Following their announcement, the couple received an outpouring of congratulations.
One of Jessica’s followers commented: “Huge congrats!!! Gorgeous photos!”
Another expressed: “Congratulations Beautiful! I’m so happy for you both.”
A third admirer added: “These are beautiful! Hope you guys have a wonderful future.”
Someone else shared: “I’m literally crying! These pictures are so beautiful! I’m so happy for you guys! You’ve gotta set up a wedding registry!”
Before the engagement, Jessica openly expressed her affection for Joe, describing him as ‘gentle, kind, and courageous’.
“He is quiet at first but very knowledgeable and engaging. I love how gentle, kind, and courageous he is,” she said of her fiancé, according to Daily Star.
Joe and Jessica run a brand known as 80 Percent Gone, offering a variety of merchandise.
According to their website, the brand aims to ‘spread a message of strength and resilience’.
The site adds: “Our unique, hand-crafted merchandise, including Joe’s signature designs, supports his journey and upcoming book, ‘80% Gone, 100% Strong: Rebuilt with Resilience’.
“Each purchase helps share Joe’s story of overcoming adversity and empowers others to stand strong.”
Items are priced between $16 and $46.