In 2011, Maurice Desjardins, then 65, suffered a devastating hunting accident when a rifle misfired, causing catastrophic damage to his face. His facial bones, skin, nose, mouth, nerves, and teeth were severely destroyed, leaving him unrecognizable and disfigured.
His wife, Gaétane, became his full-time caregiver, quitting her job to support him through years of intense physical and emotional hardship. Maurice had to breathe through a tracheostomy, as normal breathing became impossible after the injury.
On his GoFundMe page, Maurice described the immense challenges he faced: “For seven years, I lived without a face. I couldn’t talk, eat, drink, or breathe properly. I relied on a tracheostomy to survive. I spent three of those years waiting for a transplant.”
Finally, in May 2018, Maurice underwent a pioneering face transplant surgery—a transformative moment he called “the greatest gift” and “a new beginning.” The complex procedure was led by Dr. Daniel Borsuk, who warned Maurice of the high risks involved. When told he might not survive, Maurice responded, “Do you think I’m really living now?”
Having lost hope for a normal life, Maurice said, “People stare. People judge. I’d rather risk everything than keep going like this. I didn’t care what the face looked like. I just wanted to look like a person again.”
Although he still faces challenges with speech, the surgery restored his identity and dignity. After years of hiding, Maurice can now look in the mirror and finally see a future full of hope.
