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Burned firefighter meets mother of face transplant donor

Patrick Hardison suffered severe burns to his face when he was trapped in a fire 15 years ago.

By FireRescue1 Staff

COLUMBUS, Ohio — After being severely burned in a fire 15 years ago, firefighter Patrick Hardison met the mother of his face transplant donor for the first time.

Nancy Millar’s son, David Rodebaugh, died last year in a bike crash, and donated his organs to those in need. Hardison was one of those recipients, and he received Rodebaugh’s face and scalp, reported the Daily Mail.

In an emotional meeting this week, Millar embraced Hardison and thanked him for his service. A chicken pox scar Rodebaugh had on his face was still visible on Hardison, which Millar acknowledged.

“When I knew you were a firefighter, I knew you had the strength to go through this. I had no hesitation,” Millar told Hardison.

Millar also met two children and a woman who received Rodebaugh’s organs.

“The best day of my life was the day David was born. This is the second best day of my life,” Millar said. “David’s reborn to me. He’s back. He’s here. I knew he was here.”

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