A decade ago, Andy Sandness suffered from such intense depression that led him to suicide. Then just twenty, Andy thought the only way to end his life was putting a gun to his face and pulling the trigger. But!! Death wasn’t ready for Andy. He survived but in that very instant he realized he had committed a grievous mistake. When Officers arrived he begged “please please save me” The Gunshot wound left Andy totally disfigured.
Now 31, Andy has undergone a facial transplant in what is now being regarded as one of the most successful face transplants that doctors have ever witnessed. Read this story and watch how this man’s completely damaged face undergoes a magical transformation.
10 years ago, Andy felt life wasn’t worth living. A manic depressant, he felt suicide was the only way out. Andy decided that he would end it all.
"I just remember putting one in the chamber and looking down the barrel of the gun and I said 'ah, #$@! it' and pulled the trigger,". Andy’s life wasn’t going easy; he was facing a rough patch that thrust him into severe depression.
Image Source: www.bbci.co.uk
But!!! Andy didn’t die, he survived!! Unfortunately the gunshot wounded his face so badly, it completely disfigured him. He was not recognizable anymore.
Andy was rushed to emergency where surgeons tirelessly tried to save him. The gunshot had blown away parts of his face, jaw, chin and nose.
Andy waited impatiently for years to hear of a suitable donor so that he could undergo a facial transplant. He was given a rubber nose to wear but that didn’t do much for his looks as you can see.
Image Source: www.diply.com
His rubber nose fell off quite often which was embarrassing for him. The waiting paid off when surgeons in Mayo clinic Minnesota concluded after prior investigation that he was a prime candidate for a facial transplant.
Image Source: www.mirror.co.uk
Andy recived positive news in 2016 but here’s the irony. The Man whose face Andy would receive was Calen “Rudy” Ross who had also shot himself but unlike Andy, he never survived.
Around the same age as Andy, Ross had listed himself as an organ donor. Hs 19 year old wife was compelled to follow his wishes and so this meant Andy Sandness would get Calen Ross’ face.
Image Source: www.advance.net
The rehearsal alone by Mayo surgeons took 31/2 hours. The surgical team consisted of 60 surgeons and nurses medically equipped to give Andy a New Face.
"Everybody went into this totally knowing their role, knowing what to expect. Every step has been thought out 1,000 times," said head surgeon Dr. Samir Mardini. Calen Ross face was also prepared for 24 hours even while Andy was being prepared for the operation in about the same time.
Image Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
Calen Ross’ face was also rebuilt below the eyes which took 32 hours. Finally Andy was taken into the operating theater where he would now receive his new face.
The surgery was a success. As you can see, last minute touches are being given to the new Andy.
Image Source: www.wordpress.com
Take a look at Andy, one year after the surgery with his new face that belonged to Calen Rudy Ross. The transformation is unbelievable.
Looking closely one can see a small scar beneath Andy’s eyes. To anyone not knowing Andy’s story, it wouldn’t even make a difference.
Image Source: www.ytimg.com
The woman in the picture is Helga Smars, Andy’s therapist. Andy was extremely happy with the transformation stating that it exceeded his expectations.
Image Source: www.newsapi.com.au
Andy is on the road to full recovery although he is still required to visit the Mayo clinic for consultation with Doctors.
Image Source: www.mymodernmet.com
Life has finally turned out very well for Andy. People don’t react in a shocking manner any more when they see him. He too feels that the surgery was a success. Hopefully Andy will now be a changed person and be thankful that Life has given him a second chance. He wasn’t meant to die.
Image Source: www.diply.com