By Abbey Niezgoda
aniezgoda@abc6.com
A Station nightclub survivor is recovering at home after receiving a Massachusetts Hospital's first ever single hand transplant.
Joe Kinan, 43, of Lakeville, is no stranger to surgeries. He's gone through more than 120 of them since he was seriously injured during The Station fire in 2003.
Each year since has brought new procedures and new hope to the survivor, with the latest being his left hand transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital.
"He has just been incredibly inspiring to all of his doctors and nurses with his courage," Dr. Curtis Cetrulo said, who performed the surgery.
Kinan appeared in a wheelchair with black sunglasses on and his fiance by his side. He says for him the hand brings him hope.
"I hope it makes it better," Kinan said. "I have a pretty tenacious attitude towards most things."
He was able to wiggle his fingers, but it will be at least a year until the brace comes off. Until then, he will be doing physical therapy, hoping the transplant takes.
"He's an absolute animal when it comes to rehabilitation," Dr. Cetrulo said. "We actually have to hold him back sometimes."
"I just hope it doesn't die," Kinan said. "That would be my biggest hope."
