First NC man to receive hand transplant is making progress

RALEIGH, N.C. — The first North Carolina man to receive a hand transplant said he's finally getting better control of his new hand.

Rene Chavez lost his hand in a meat-grinder accident in Raleigh, and a team of 17 surgeons spent hours attaching a new one.

Speaking through an interpreter, Chavez credited daily therapy sessions for his progress.

“Discovering everything I can do with my hand. I mean, little by little, slowly, but I am discovering every day new things that I can do with my hand,” Chavez said.

Chavez said he is still waiting for full feeling to return in his new hand.

Cox Media Group