Derek Pfaff’s story is one of survival, hope, and transformation, illustrating the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Once the pride of his family as a high school athlete, Derek's life took a tragic turn when he attempted to end his suffering. At just 19 years old, he shot himself with a shotgun, leading to catastrophic injuries and forever changing his life. Following extensive surgeries and challenges, he became one of the few recipients of a face transplant, giving him not just physical restoration but also renewed hope and direction.
From the outside, Derek seemed to have it all. He was the star of his high school football team and graduated at the top of his class. His days were filled with sports, family, and the promise of a bright future. But beneath his achievements were scars from the pressures of expectation and anxiety—struggles often masked by his outward success. His mother, Lisa Pfaff, remembers him as being very much loved and cherished, yet internally battling feelings of inadequacy.
On March 5, 2014, everything changed dramatically when Derek, overwhelmed by emotional turmoil, shot himself in the face. Though he survived, the physical toll was devastating; much of his facial structure was destroyed. The immediate reaction from his family was one of horror and despair. Derek's father, Jerry, discovered him lying face down in the snow, stained with blood, and took swift action, saving his life by rushing him to the emergency room.
Upon reaching the hospital, doctors faced the challenge of treating his severe injuries. Dr. Kelly O’Sullivan recalls the complexity of the situation, noting the importance of quick thinking and faith, both from the medical team and Derek’s family. After stabilizing him, Derek was transferred to Hurley Medical Center and eventually to Henry Ford Hospital for advanced care. Over the next ten years, he underwent 58 reconstructive surgeries, including skin grafts and jaw reconstructions, but none restored his pre-accident appearance or function.
Despite these procedures, Derek struggled with everyday activities, unable to eat solid foods, smile, or even blink normally. Those years were marred by physical and emotional pain. Derek and his family learned to navigate their new reality, drawing strength from faith and each other, commemorated by their openness about mental health and the importance of reaching out for help.
It wasn’t until February 2023, after years of enduring relentless surgeries, pain, and emotional hardship, when Derek was accepted for the groundbreaking face transplant at the Mayo Clinic—a procedure only conducted on around 50 individuals globally. This procedure was not just about reconstructing his face but also about providing him with hope for the future, something Derek desperately sought.
The surgery, which lasted over 60 hours, was complex and fraught with uncertainties. But when Derek woke up post-surgery, he was greeted with the miraculous sensation of having facial structures restored; he had regained his nose and jawline and was filled with renewed hope. "I felt like I could finally start living again—this was my chance to face the world once more," he said.
Adapting to the new facial features brought its own challenges, especially as Derek began working with intensive physical and emotional rehabilitation. For the first time since his accident, he could look closely at himself without experiencing shame or sadness. With the support of his family and the medical team, Derek started feeling more comfortable with his new image, envisioning all the little things he'd longed for: the ability to eat, to taste his grandmother's cooking, and perhaps one day to find love.
Throughout his recovery, Derek has been vocal about his experiences, sharing his life story with the hope of inspiring others who might find themselves at the edge of despair. He has taken to social media to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of seeking help. Derek often reflects on the day he made his attempt to take his life as the realization of how important it is to connect with others and to share one’s struggles rather than hiding them.
Now, Derek envisions the future he wants to build—a life filled with connections, laughter, and joy. He dreams of participating once again in family gatherings, feeling the warmth of those around him. His recovery has been both physically and spiritually empowering, as he has learned to embrace life with gratitude and the inspiration to share his message of hope.
The Pfaff family's story is one of persistence and unity. Derek's parents, Lisa and Jerry, have been steadfast advocates for mental health awareness, forging their path through the dark times by sharing their experiences to help destigmatize mental illness. Together, they believe their story can impart important lessons on the value of life, the significance of mental health support, and the transformative power of recovery.
"If we can save just one life with sharing our story, then all of this would have been worth it," Lisa mentioned, embodying the family’s resolve. The depth of their experience has prompted discussions with mental health professionals, schools, and community groups, with Derek often serving as the moving force behind these conversations.
What started as a tragedy has remarkably turned around for the Pfaffs, who now aim to help others by shining light on their family's experience. Derek is grateful to be alive and, more than anything, wishes to convey the message: there is always light on the other side of darkness if one remains hopeful and connected.
Derek Pfaff’s transformative face transplant not only restored his physical appearance after immense trauma but also provided him with the chance to rebuild relationships and rediscover joy. With each step forward, he proves to himself and others facing their battles—beautiful transformations await on the other side of hardship.
