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A man who underwent a grueling face transplant earlier this year was revealed to the world today.
Cameron Underwood, 26, of California, had problems with depression and alcohol abuse, which led to an attempt to commit suicide in June 2016.
The suicide attempt destroyed most of his face but miraculously he survived.
Cameron missed the majority of his lower jaw, each tooth except one, from his nose, and suffered severe injuries to the maxillary area and the palate.
Former welder and machinist, Cameron had already tried several reconstructive interventions before discovering Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez at New York University, Langone Health, New York.
Her mother, Beverly Bailey-Potter, said she read an article in People Magazine about NYU's facial transplant program and decided to ask her son for information.
"When we read what Dr. Rodriguez had done for his other patients, we knew he was the only one to trust Cameron's life," Beverly said.
"We were willing to travel long distances."
Today, nearly 11 months after the 25 hours of operation, Cameron is striving to live the life that he once had while playing outside, playing sports and going on time with friends and family.
"I am very grateful to have a facial transplant because it gives me a second chance to live," he said.
"Even though I always recover and find sensation and mobility, mainly with my lips, I am always very happy with the result,
"I have a nose and a mouth, so I'm able to smile, talk and eat solid foods again."
Cameron said it was "breathtaking" the first time he saw his new face, adding, "It was overwhelming with excitement."
According to Dr. Rodriguez, when he met Cameron for the first time, he was convinced that he could help her regain her quality of life.
"For all of us, it's really remarkable to be part of this initiative and to get there," he said.
"There is no way to bring him back to a normal life without a facial transplant."
First photo taken after transplant on January 22, 2018. Photo: NYU Langone Health1 of ten
January 31, 2018. Photo: NYU Langone Health2 of ten
February 12, 2018. Photo: NYU Langone Health3 of ten
March 7, 2018. Photo: NYU Langone Health4 of ten
March 28, 2018. Photo: NYU Langone Health5 of ten
June 4, 2018. Photo: NYU Langone Health6 of ten
August 6, 2018. Photo: NYU Langone Health7 of ten
October 17, 2018. Photo: NYU Langone Health8 of ten
November 26, 2018. Photo: NYU Langone Health9 of ten
November 29, 2018. Photo: Monica Schipper / Getty Images for NYU Langoneten of ten
Rodriguez led a team of more than 100 health professionals to complete the operation, which began Jan. 5.
It required the use of 3D computer surgical planning and a 3D mask of the donor's face – a new approach for the medical team.
The procedure included the transplantation and reconstruction of the upper and lower jaw bones, including the 32 teeth and gums, the roof of the mouth, the lower eyelids and cheeks, the nose and sections of the nasal passage.
Cameron's donor was an aspiring writer and filmmaker, William Fisher of New York.
William had also battled mental illness for several years before his death.
His mother, Sally, said in a statement, "My son's death was a tragedy.
"I am grateful that in honoring his decision we were able to bring others to life."
William, who had registered as an organ donor in adolescence, was identified as Underwood's donor the day before the surgery.
Today, Cameron has thanked Rodriguez, NYU Langone Health, his family and William and the Fisher family.
"I will always honor Will's legacy," he said.
– If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14. For help with depression, please visit the Beyond Blue page. for a list of organizations that can help you.
This story originally appeared in The Sun and has been republished here with permission.
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