That single act of heroism completely changed the course of his life. Since the fire, Patrick has been on an emotional and physical journey filled with unimaginable struggles as he tried to come to terms with his new face and body.
Years after undergoing a groundbreaking surgery, he’s writing a book and sharing his story to inspire others who may be going through tough times like he did.
The life-changing event began when Patrick, a father of five, entered a burning home in his Mississippi hometown to save a woman who was trapped inside.
While he was inside, the ceiling collapsed, catching fire and severely injuring him. His protective helmet and face mask melted onto his face. He still vividly remembers the moment he leapt out of the window to escape. “I remember everything,” he shared.
Doctors initially tried using skin from his thighs to repair the damage to his face.
The burns had left his appearance so unrecognizable that even his fellow firefighters couldn’t recognize him at first.
“They had cut a little pinhole in one of my eyelids because they had everything covered, skin graft. I looked in the mirror and all I could do, I said: ‘This is it? I can’t do this'” he said.
“When you walk out in public, it was daily. And, you know, it’s just so – there’s no way to explain everything” he added.
Dr. Rodriguez shared, “Most people know that I’m a very clear, straightforward shooter, and I tell them ‘this operation could kill you.'”
Before going ahead with the operation, Patrick was given one final chance to back out. But he didn’t hesitate.
“No hesitation. On the morning of the operation with our entire team ready to go, I ask him once again, ‘are you sure you want to do this? I can call off the whole thing. I do not want you to feel bad about this'”
Patrick was determined. “I need this. Let’s move forward,” he said without any doubt.
He explained, “I wouldn’t want people that were like me years ago to think that’s it, I have to live like this. You don’t. You can accomplish anything.”
“Ninety-seven percent of the people that have facial injuries as significant as mine commit suicide and I understand that, but they also don’t have hope” Patrick added, explaining why he wants to share his story.
