Cameron Underwood, 26, of Yuba City, California, received a face transplant earlier this year.
ABC News 20/20 profiled his inspiring story, detailing the personal struggles he endured that led to a tragic self-inflicted gunshot wound to his face, the impact of his disfigurement, and the incredible second chance he has received, thanks to the generosity of a young organ donor.
In January 2018—18 months after his injury—Eduardo D. Rodriguez, MD, DDS, the Helen L. Kimmel Professor of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and chair of the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone, led a team of over 100 medical professionals to successfully perform the 25-hour procedure.
The 20/20 special culminates with an emotional reunion when Underwood and his family reunite with his donor’s family for the first time since the life-changing face transplant procedure.
Watch the ABC News 20/20 story to learn more.