ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – A remarkable transformation has unfolded for a Michigan man who has been granted new hope through the groundbreaking second and most intricate face transplant performed at the prestigious Mayo Clinic.
Derek Pfaff, now 30 years old, has regained the ability to function almost normally after a long decade of struggle, during which he lost many of life’s simple pleasures. He can now eat, blink, and smile—every action imbued with renewed significance and joy.
This life-altering experience isn’t the first for Derek; it marks a significant chapter in a lengthy narrative of change.
March 4th, 2014, began as an ordinary day for the Pfaff family, one filled with the anticipation of attending church the following morning. However, that same evening, a tragic event would change the course of their lives forever when Derek attempted to take his own life.
“Derek doesn’t remember getting the gun. Derek doesn’t remember that night. Derek doesn’t remember shooting himself,” revealed his mother, Lisa Pfaff, shedding light on the profound impact of that harrowing moment.
The devastating incident led to Derek losing his face, an event that irrevocably altered both his and his family’s lives.
“Derek wasn’t in good shape, and they didn’t anticipate Derek making it,” Lisa expressed, reflecting on the dire circumstances surrounding her son’s recovery.
From 2014 to 2020, Derek endured a staggering 58 facial reconstructive surgeries. Unfortunately, the 58th surgery, which was meant to be his final one, proved to be unsuccessful, leaving the Pfaff family standing at a crossroads with only one available option—a face transplant.
“It was his decision to make, and it was a big decision to make if he wanted to pursue that, and he said, ‘Mom, I went through 58 surgeries. Why would I not finish now?’” Lisa recounted, highlighting Derek’s determination and resolve.
Their search for a potential face transplant led them directly to the renowned Mayo Clinic.
“When he came to us for his facial deformity, he wasn’t saying, ‘I want a face transplant,’ he was saying, ‘I just want to be normal again,’” explained Dr. Samir Mardini, a skilled surgeon at Mayo Clinic, who understood the depth of Derek’s aspirations. Dr. Mardini notably performed the first face transplant at Mayo Clinic in 2016 and began an extensive process to meet Derek’s needs.
Dr. Mardini, supported by a dedicated team of 80 professionals, engaged in meticulous planning over several months, scouring through potential donors to find a match based on critical factors such as blood type, skin tone, and age.
In a pivotal moment in February 2024, Derek received the much-anticipated call—he had found a match.
“All of a sudden the door busted open, and my mom came in and said we have a donor,” Derek recalled, emotions of hope flooding back as he prepared for the life-changing procedure.
The surgery itself was a monumental undertaking, lasting over 50 hours as the extraordinary team worked diligently.
Finally, on March 5th, marking the tenth anniversary of Derek’s tragic incident, he was greeted with the sight of his new face—a moment filled with awe and gratitude.
“It was just like wow,” Derek expressed, unable to contain his excitement and disbelief.
Throughout this challenging journey, Derek discovered a new passion: advocating for suicide prevention. He now dedicates himself to encouraging others who may be struggling, reminding them that hope can flourish even in the darkest of times.
“Been quite the journey. It had a lot of ups and a lot of downs. It all happened for a reason and a lot of good to come out of it,” Derek reflected, embracing his new role and the positive changes that have come from his past struggles.
If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
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What were the key challenges Derek faced during his journey to recovery after the face transplant?
**Interview with Derek and Lisa Pfaff: A Remarkable Journey of Hope and Healing**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Derek and Lisa. Your story is incredibly touching. Derek, can you share with us how it felt when you learned you would be receiving a face transplant?
**Derek Pfaff:** Thank you for having us. It was surreal, really—a mix of excitement and anxiety. After undergoing so many surgeries, I was skeptical but hopeful. It felt like the last chance to regain a sense of normalcy in my life.
**Interviewer:** Lisa, what was your reaction when Derek expressed his desire to pursue the transplant after enduring 58 previous surgeries?
**Lisa Pfaff:** It was a tough decision for both of us. But knowing how much he had already been through, I supported him wholeheartedly. Derek said, “Why would I not finish now?” That determination is what has driven him through this whole journey.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Samir Mardini and his team played a significant role in this transformation. Derek, what did it mean to you to work with Dr. Mardini at the Mayo Clinic?
**Derek Pfaff:** Dr. Mardini was incredible. He not only understood my medical needs but also my emotional struggles. When I expressed my desire to just be ‘normal again,’ he listened and made that a priority. It was comforting to finally meet someone who shared my vision for the future.
**Interviewer:** Lisa, as a mother, what was it like for you to witness Derek’s journey and the sacrifices he made along the way?
**Lisa Pfaff:** It was heartbreaking at times. To see your child struggle so deeply and to feel helpless is awful. But watching him fight for recovery and open himself up to new possibilities through the transplant has been a beacon of hope for our entire family.
**Interviewer:** Derek, now that you’ve undergone the transplant, what simple pleasures have you found yourself appreciating the most?
**Derek Pfaff:** I cherish the ability to eat, blink, and smile—things that many take for granted. Each action feels like a victory. It’s like rediscovering life one small pleasure at a time.
**Interviewer:** Your story is incredibly inspiring. What message do you hope people take away from it?
**Derek Pfaff:** I want people to know that it’s okay to ask for help and that recovery is a process. Life can change in an instant, but with the right support and determination, healing is possible.
**Lisa Pfaff:** I hope our story encourages those struggling with mental health to reach out and seek assistance. There is hope, even in the darkest times.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Derek and Lisa, for sharing your incredible journey with us. Your resilience is truly inspiring, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
