It's been just over a year since nine-year-old Zion Harvey received a double-hand transplant, and he now says what he really wants to do is play football.
"I feel happy about my new hands, and I don't feel different. I like now that I can throw a football further than when I didn't have hands,'' he said during a briefing with his mother, doctor and physical therapists at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
He underwent the 10-hour surgery at the hospital in July 2015, after his hands and feet were amputated seven years ago following a serious infection.
The nation's youngest hand transplant patient has been going through extensive rehab to learn how to use his new hands.
Earlier this month, the suburban Baltimore boy showed off his new abilities by throwing out the first pitch at an Orioles game.
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Dr Scott Levin, team leader of Zion's surgery, said Zion coped with the surgery better than many adults handle simpler procedures.
``I've never seen Zion cry. I've never seen him not want to do his therapy," Levin said.
"He's just a remarkable human being, let alone child or adult. He has such courage and determination and gives us all inspiration.''
Zion said his wisdom comes `"from the two most amazing people: my mom, and my grandmom."
Twenty-eight people in the US have had hand transplants, and 11 had both hands replaced, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Worldwide, close to 100 people have had hand or arm transplants.
His mother, Pattie Ray, said it's been a long journey but now she feels like she is living her dream.
