'Trolls abuse me because my boyfriend's face transplant is 20 years older'
A woman has been targeted by trolls over dating a man with a face transplant which is 20 years older than him.
Jessica Koby, a former transplant nurse with a fascination for medical cases, became interested in Joe DiMeo after reading about his incredible journey. After surviving a car crash that left him with severe burns on 80% of his body, Joe underwent the first-ever successful double transplant — a face from a 48-year-old man.
Curiosity led Jessica to follow Joe on Instagram, hoping to learn more about his unique case. But what really captivated her was Joe's remarkable positivity and strength throughout his ordeal, something she hadn't seen in many other transplant recipients.
Jessica told The Mirror US: "I hadn't seen many other people be as positive after receiving a transplant. Since I had that history and that background, I was just very curious about him and his life and what he was up to. I was actually just very nosy."
Jessica requested to follow Joe on Instagram to learn more about his life (MEGA)
They started talking as friends, but their bond quickly turned romantic (MEGA)Their initial connection as friends soon blossomed into something more profound. After weeks of flirty messages, phone calls, and FaceTime conversations, they finally met in person, and it was love at first sight. They spent a beautiful day together, playing with their dogs and immersing themselves in each other's company.
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Jessica was enamoured by Joe's tall, handsome, and confident demeanour, finding his resilience and self-assurance extremely attractive.
She said: "He’s tall, he’s handsome, he has nice hair, he’s very gentle, and that all together is very attractive. But above all, he’s very confident — and I think that’s extremely attractive as well. I’m older than him by seven-and-a-half years, but he’s extremely mature and has a better way of handling that type of stuff."
Joe before the accident (Joe DiMeo / SWNS)Their relationship faced challenges due to Joe's medical complications as he was just eight months post-transplant when they met. However, Jessica's background as a transplant nurse and her deep understanding of his condition brought them even closer together.
She knew how to care for him, both emotionally and medically, and her presence eased the stress of his situation. They found solace in the simple moments, such as Jessica giving Joe massages to alleviate his pain and swelling.
She said: "It's kind of just time with him, just me and him. I spend probably an hour massaging him, and we talk. We don't watch TV or anything — we just talk. That's romantic, just helping him feel better. I like doing it, and I like making him feel better.
Before he had the double hand and face transplant (NYU Langone)
Joe after the double hand and face transplant in August 2020 (NYU Langone)Being an interabled couple, Jessica often assisted Joe with everyday tasks he couldn't manage independently due to his limited hand and finger mobility. Yet, despite these challenges, Joe remained independent, even learning to drive again, which helped him regain a sense of freedom.
Their love story has inspired many, and they've shared it with the world through TikTok. However, this exposure has also brought them hurtful and negative comments. Despite the criticism, Joe supports Jessica and helps her cope with the negativity, showing incredible maturity and strength.
Two weeks later, they finally met in person, and it was love at first sight (MEGA)Jessica decided to move to New Jersey to live with Joe, and they now share a home with her beloved Boston terrier, Kirkland. Despite their unique circumstances, they envision a future together like any other couple—buying a house, getting married, and starting a family.
Jessica believes their connection is fate—a former transplant nurse finding love with someone who underwent such an extensive transplant.
"We were meant to be," she says confidently, revealing how the power of resilience, love, and fate, bring two souls together to conquer life's challenges as one.
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