Joe DiMeo, the first person in the world to undergo a successful face and double hand transplant, has shared a touching photo celebrating his engagement.
The New Jersey native, who survived a life-altering accident, has inspired thousands by openly sharing his recovery journey. Now, social media is abuzz with well-wishes for Joe and his fiancée as they announce their engagement.
A Heartwarming Announcement
Joe’s announcement quickly drew attention, with followers flooding his Instagram post with kind words.
“Congratulations to you both,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Sending all my very best wishes.”
Others chimed in with heartfelt messages, such as: “So excited for your new journey. God bless you.” and “I am so happy for you, beautiful couple.”
A Historic Medical Breakthrough
Joe’s story first made headlines in 2020 when he underwent a groundbreaking 23-hour surgery involving 16 surgeons and 80 medical staff. The operation, which marked the first-ever successful face and double hand transplant, was a remarkable achievement in medical history.
During an appearance on Good Morning America, Joe reflected on seeing his new face for the first time. “It didn’t seem real at first,” he admitted, while expressing profound gratitude to the donor’s family.
Doctors explained that the procedure was especially challenging due to the limited chances of finding a suitable donor. According to reports, Joe faced just a six percent likelihood of matching someone with compatible immune characteristics, skin tone, and hand dominance.
Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, who led the surgery, acknowledged the difficulties, saying, “The odds of success seemed slim based on prior cases.”
Overcoming a Life-Altering Accident
Joe’s journey began after a catastrophic car accident in 2018. He fell asleep at the wheel after a night shift, causing his vehicle to veer off the road and burst into flames. Rescuers pulled him from the wreckage, saving his life but leaving him with burns across 80 percent of his body.
The aftermath of the accident involved over 20 reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts. Joe spent four months in the hospital, half of which he was in a coma. “By the fourth month, I went to rehab and began rebuilding my life,” he shared with Newsweek.
Following the transplant, Joe focused on regaining control of his facial movements—blinking, raising his eyebrows, and moving his lips. Similarly, he worked tirelessly to improve mobility in his hands, determined to resume a normal life.
Finding Love Amid Adversity
In 2021, Joe connected with nurse Jessica Koby after she reached out on Instagram, inspired by his story. Jessica shared with Newsweek that she admired Joe’s determination and work ethic, saying, “Despite everything, he was ready to move forward. His ambition intrigued me.”
The couple’s relationship has faced online criticism, with some accusing Jessica of ulterior motives. “I’ve been called a ‘gold digger,’ but I think it’s just jealousy,” she said. However, their bond remains strong, and they continue to support each other through the negativity.
A Joyful New Chapter
Joe recently posted a photo of himself and Jessica in a serene forest setting with their two dogs, captioned: “Big things going down on December 5th,” accompanied by bride and groom emojis.
The heartfelt image has received thousands of likes and comments from followers celebrating the couple’s happiness.
Congratulations to Joe and Jessica on their inspiring journey and their exciting future together!