One Massachusetts man was determined to make a comeback.
A few years ago, everyday tasks were a struggle for Richard Mangino, a quadruple amputee from Revere, Massachusetts. But in 2011, at age 65, he made history as the recipient of the first successful double hand transplant at Brigham and Women's Hospital, according to Boston.com. It's been almost 3 years since the operation and Mangino, an avid musician and painter, has made leaps and bounds in progress, returning to his love of music and playing the piano again.
"I'm sure that I do a lot more than a lot of people ... because I had music and I have some art and I have some things that I already do that help me through life psychologically," he told WCVB. "Psychologically, I'm as good as everybody else with hands."
Mangino, who lost his limbs to a severe bloodstream infection, maintained a positive disposition after his amputations, teaching himself to dress and drive using prosthetics, according to Boston.com.
Since receiving the hand transplant, Mangino's life has been about exploring possibilities. He not only plays piano, but has also been drawing and writing his own music, and even plays football with his grandchildren, according to WCVB.
Mangino doesn't want his achievements to end there, and hopes to one day once again enjoy another love of his -- the guitar. "Maybe I'll try it at some point, but I'm happy with the piano, although you miss those riffs," Mangino told WCVB. "It's just a dream when you can play."
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