The heart-wrenching story of Derek Pfaff is one that embodies both tragedy and hope. Pfaff, originally from Harbor Beach, Michigan, faced unimaginable stress during his college years. In March of 2014, amidst the pressure and challenges that many young adults encounter, he experienced a life-changing moment that would alter the course of his life forever—an attempt at suicide that left him with devastating injuries.
On that fateful night, Derek does not recall the sequence of events that led to his drastic decision. “I don’t remember anything,” he reflected after the incident. His father, Jerry Pfaff, discovered him lying unconscious in a snowbank outside their home after noticing their gun cabinet was open. The discovery was shocking and heartsickening, to say the least. Derek was rushed to a hospital where he regained consciousness—only to mistakenly think he had survived a car accident. Tragically, the reality was far more severe; the suicide attempt had left him with a gunshot wound that mutilated the majority of his facial structures, taking away his nose, lips, teeth, and parts of his forehead.
Although Derek underwent a staggering 58 reconstructive surgeries post-incident, medical professionals soon realized more drastic measures were required. His mother, Lisa Pfaff, recounted a particularly memorable conversation where a doctor informed her that a face transplant was the only option left for Derek.
In February 2024, after nearly ten years of hardship, Derek underwent a groundbreaking face transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, under the expert supervision of Dr. Samir Mardini, who led the surgical team comprising over 80 medical professionals. In a remarkable surgery that lasted more than 50 hours, they skillfully removed a portion of the face from a donor, effectively reconstructing about 85% of Derek’s facial structure and functions. This was a medical feat that only a few dozen individuals worldwide have achieved. Notable successes include Aaron James, recipient of the first whole-eye and partial face transplant, and Katie Stubblefield, the youngest face transplant patient in the United States.
Dr. Mardini emphasized the complexity and uniqueness of each individual face transplant, explaining that “there’s no injury that’s the same,” underscoring the innovative nature of the procedure. The surgery not only focused on restoring the aesthetic appearance of Derek’s face but encompassed intricate functions as well, including facial movements and expressions.
Seeing his new face for the first time—an event carefully curated and postponed for psychological preparation—was a profound moment for Derek. On March 5, 2024, exactly ten years after his suicide attempt, he was finally able to look in the mirror. The moment was tinted with joy and a sense of new beginnings, transforming what had once been a day of despair into one of hope and healing. Derek reported feeling as though he “looked like a person again,” a significant turning point illustrating the power of modern medical advancements in restoring lives.
Reflecting on his journey and the pivotal role of mental health, Derek aims to raise awareness about suicide. He acknowledges the prevalence of the issue, noting that over 720,000 individuals globally die from suicide each year, a troubling statistic underscored by the fact that many do not previously have mental health diagnoses. His mother, Lisa, observed their family context and shared how, despite feeling guilt about missing potential warning signs in their son’s mental health, it was an incident she now believes was beyond anyone’s anticipation.
Today, Derek continues to thrive. He actively works with speech therapists, commits to maintaining his physical health, and takes immunosuppressive medications to guard against transplant rejection—a lifelong endeavor. “The sun will rise tomorrow,” he professed in a message of hope, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positivity amid adversity.
Lisa shares their family pride in Derek’s achievements over the past decade, expressing their commitment to sharing their journey and advocating for mental health awareness. The Pfaff family continues to gather during holidays, grateful for their collective strength and Derek’s resilience—a testament to the enduring spirit of hope and recovery in the face of unimaginable challenges.
