5 years later, face transplant recipient enjoys 'normal' life

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (WPVI) -- One of the first people to get a face transplant is sharing insights into his life, nearly 5 years later.

Mitchell Hunter's own face was heavily burned when he came in contact with a live electric wire in a 2001 car accident.

He saved a woman by pushing the live wire away from her, but he lost his face and leg.

Before the transplant in 2011 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Hunter couldn't go out without getting stares.

Now, he has a job, and goes to the movies with his son without attracting attention.

Hunter says the past 15 years have been tough, but they've made him a stronger person.

"I would like to tell people just not to worry about the small things - live life," says Hunter. "Tell the people you love that you love them because you never know when that can be taken away."

He still goes back to a Boston hospital twice a year for follow-up care.

Next month, he plans to be at the Indy 500 auto race, where he just wants to blend in with the crowd.