Joe DiMeo, the first person in the world to successfully receive both a face and double hands transplant, has shared a touching photo with his new fiancée, sparking joy and well wishes from thousands of supporters across social media.
The New Jersey native, whose life changed dramatically following a devastating accident, has since captured the hearts of many by openly sharing his journey of resilience and recovery online. His story has resonated deeply, inspiring a vast following with over 219,000 fans on TikTok and more than 17,000 on Instagram.
Now, his followers are celebrating alongside him as he marks a significant milestone in his life—his engagement to his girlfriend, nurse Jessica Koby. Joe posted a heartfelt image with Jessica, surrounded by nature and their two dogs, accompanied by the caption, “Big things going down on December 5th,” alongside a bride and groom emoji. The beautiful snapshot quickly drew thousands of likes and heartwarming messages from well-wishers, all eager to share in his joy.
Comments poured in expressing excitement and support. One follower wrote, “Congratulations to you both,” while another added, “Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.” The messages continued with people expressing their admiration, such as, “So thrilled for you both! You’re a beautiful couple. Wishing you endless happiness.”
Joe’s inspiring journey began after a life-altering car accident in 2018 that left him with burns covering 80% of his body. After working a night shift, he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his vehicle to veer off the road and burst into flames. His survival was nothing short of miraculous, as bystanders courageously pulled him from the burning wreckage. The aftermath of the accident was severe, resulting in extensive skin grafts, multiple reconstructive surgeries, and a lengthy hospitalization where he remained in a coma for nearly two months.
Despite these immense challenges, Joe’s determination never wavered. In 2020, he made global headlines after undergoing a groundbreaking face and double hands transplant, a procedure considered nearly impossible due to the complex requirements for a suitable donor match. The surgery, which took an astonishing 23 hours to complete, involved a team of 16 surgeons and 80 medical staff working in six coordinated teams.
Doctors estimated Joe had only a six percent chance of finding a donor who matched his immune system while also aligning with his gender, skin tone, and hand dominance. Yet against the odds, the team succeeded. During a heartfelt appearance on Good Morning America, Joe reflected on the emotional experience, admitting that seeing his new face for the first time felt surreal, as if it were happening to someone else.
Since the successful operation, Joe has dedicated himself to regaining facial mobility and hand dexterity. Simple movements like blinking, raising his eyebrows, and smiling had to be relearned from scratch. His hands, too, required extensive rehabilitation to regain strength and control.
Joe’s inspiring resilience extends beyond his physical recovery. His story caught the attention of nurse Jessica Koby in 2021, who reached out to him after learning about his experience. Jessica was deeply moved by Joe’s courage and perseverance, particularly his unwavering determination to live life fully despite the immense physical challenges he faced. The two quickly bonded, and their relationship blossomed into a romance built on mutual respect and admiration.
However, their love story hasn’t been free from challenges. As they shared their relationship on social media, the couple faced unwarranted negativity and harsh criticism from some users. Joe has been subjected to cruel remarks about his appearance, while Jessica has been unfairly accused of being a ‘golddigger’ or seeking attention through their relationship. Jessica, however, has remained steadfast, attributing the negative comments to jealousy. She has continually voiced her love and support for Joe, emphasizing that his strength and ambition are what drew her to him.
Their engagement marks a powerful new chapter in Joe’s life, proving that love, strength, and determination can triumph over adversity. Despite facing some of the most extreme hardships, Joe continues to inspire with his story of courage, recovery, and unwavering positivity.
The couple’s engagement has touched thousands, as their bond stands as a testament to the power of love and healing. The heartwarming photo they shared has quickly gone viral, with countless followers sharing their happiness and support for the pair as they prepare to take this next step together.