My partner has A STRANGER'S FACE

Jessica Koby is so proud of her boyfriend's resilience when people stare and whisper

- BEN LANE & JOHANNA BELL.

The first time I experienced the horrified stares, uncomfortable silences and hushed tones, it was upsetting, infuriating even, and I wanted to step forward in defence, to remind people to be kind and that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. But watching Joe, the target of it all, with his head held high and a quiet confidence, I followed his example, ignoring everyone as we walked through the restaurant to our table. Joe’s been through more than anyone I’ve met and I couldn’t be prouder to be by his side.

It was April 2021 when I watched an incredible documentary about the story of Joe DiMeo. I just didn’t know then quite the impact it, and he, would have on my life.

The documentary revealed that in July 2018, Joe, then 19, had nodded off while driving home from a night shift and hit a kerb. His car had flipped over before exploding and passers-by had pulled him from the flames.

Joe had burns covering 80% of his body and spent months in a coma before undergoing over 20 reconstructive surgeries and having his fingers amputated. Thick burn scars meant he could barely see, breathe, talk or eat, and he was dependent on his parents, yet there was hope as the documentary revealed Joe had the chance to have a double face and hand transplant.

As a transplant nurse, I was particularly interested – this was groundbreaking and unlike anything I’d ever seen. I watched on, transfixed, as the documentary explained double hand and face transplants had been attempted twice before but had failed and there was only a 6% chance of finding another donor.

The documentary then showed Joe finding a match and having the surgery in August 2020 at NYU Langone in Manhattan. A team of 16 surgeons and 80 operating staff worked tirelessly over 23 hours and, incredibly, it worked.

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