Jessica DiMeo never expected one dinner to turn so uncomfortable. After appearing on a podcast, she joined the host and guests—women she had never met. The conversation flowed, but one guest crossed the line. “She just kept questioning me,” Jessica recalls. “‘Are you happy? Are you sure you want kids with him?’ It wasn’t cool.”The “him” in question? Joe DiMeo, 26, the world’s first face transplant survivor who also received double-hand transplants.

An Unstoppable Love Story

Joe’s journey is nothing short of incredible. The New Jersey native nearly died in a fiery crash in 2018 when he fell asleep at the wheel just minutes from home. His car exploded into flames. Strangers pulled him from the wreck, but 80% of his body was covered in third-degree burns.

Doctors placed him in a coma for two months. He underwent 20 surgeries before receiving a groundbreaking face and hand transplant in 2020. With just a 6% chance of success, Joe beat the odds.

His story gained international attention, and Jessica was among those following his journey online. In 2021, he sent her a message about her Boston Terrier, Kirkland. That simple DM changed everything.

A Connection That Changed Everything for Face Transplant Survivor

Jessica, a nurse, lived in Cleveland at the time. She planned a weekend trip to Philadelphia and made a 90-minute detour to meet Joe.

“At that point, I was 30, and he was eight years younger,” she says. “But from the moment we hugged, I felt comfortable.”

Their connection deepened. Jessica admired Joe’s confidence and resilience, while Joe loved her kindness and determination. Before she left, Joe gifted her Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for the seven-hour drive home.

Her roommates dismissed the gesture as “childish.” Jessica thought otherwise. “Not all men are that thoughtful,” she laughs.

From Online Chats to ‘I Do’

Their relationship flourished. Jessica moved to New York City, and they settled in New Jersey. In October 2023, they bought a home in a quiet neighborhood, a milestone Joe never imagined.

“I never thought I’d own a home,” he admits. Their house is filled with sentimental keepsakes, including a baseball from a Mets game that Jessica labeled “J + J.”

In September 2024, Joe proposed outside Peter Luger Steak House in New York. By December, they “eloped” in Hawaii, streaming their intimate beach wedding for family.

Jessica’s wedding ring? A family heirloom from Joe’s great-grandmother—fitting perfectly.

Life After the Wedding

Married life hasn’t changed much for the couple. “I don’t think there are any challenges,” Joe says. “I’m just chilling.” Jessica rolls her eyes.

Every day is different. Joe drives Jessica to the train station, then focuses on physical therapy, house chores, and his projects. His Italian heritage fuels his love for cooking. “She loves my sauce,” he says proudly.

Joe also runs his fashion brand, 80 Percent Gone, symbolizing his battle and survival. His garage doubles as a workshop for designing hats, shirts, and merch featuring a lion—his emblem of strength.

Facing Health Struggles Together

Joe’s medical challenges are ongoing. His transplanted hands cause chronic pain. In January, a minor neck cut turned into an infected wound, forcing a hospital stay. Doctors suggested surgery, but Jessica advocated for at-home healing.

“That was powerful,” she says. “Just because they’re doctors doesn’t mean they know everything.”

Joe’s condition has tested their relationship. At his lowest, he told Jessica, “You could leave me, and I’d understand.” She never wavered.

Since last summer, Joe has been hospitalized three more times. Despite the setbacks, they focus on celebrating milestones, including their first Valentine’s as newlyweds—at the same steakhouse where he proposed.

Plans for the Future

Now, they’re thinking about starting a family. Jessica wants two or three kids. Some people try to discourage them, but she’s unfazed.

“I don’t think it’ll be an issue,” she says. “We’ve already handled hospital stays. That’s the hard part.”

Social Media Fame and Haters

Joe and Jessica use their growing platform to raise awareness about transplant recovery and share glimpses into their daily life. Their audience? Over 240,000 Instagram followers, 255,000 on Facebook, and nearly 600,000 combined on TikTok.

Most comments are supportive, but hate is inevitable. Some accuse Jessica of being a “gold digger” or having a “fetish.”

“That’s insulting,” she says. “I work hard. I’m the hardest-working person in any room.”

Joe sees things differently. “Haters are just hurt people. If they need to lash out, that’s what I’m here for.”

But Jessica doesn’t let all negativity slide. When one troll compared Joe to a “Cabbage Patch doll,” she messaged his wife. The comment vanished, and his profile went private.

A Love That Defies Doubt

Jessica’s circle is overwhelmingly supportive. Her grandfather, fascinated by science, couldn’t stop talking about Joe.

And as for the woman who rudely questioned Jessica’s choice to have kids?

“She had a baby with a guy who just got out of prison,” Jessica quips. “So, why would I take her opinion to heart?”

Against all odds, Joe and Jessica continue proving that love isn’t defined by circumstances—it’s built on resilience, support, and an unbreakable bond.