A Michigan man who lost half of his face to a rare form of cancer has been given a new chance at life — thanks to a remarkable surgeon who rebuilt his features using skin from his leg and forearm.
Tim McGrath is now opening up about his three-year journey in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, explaining why he’s grateful his story has inspired so many.
It all began in 2014, when McGrath visited his doctor after feeling pain in his jaw. The diagnosis was devastating — synovial sarcoma, a rare cancer that affects only 1–3 people per million each year. Initially, he avoided surgery, trying alternative treatments like strict diets, supplements, and energy therapy. But as the tumor grew, McGrath eventually required a tracheotomy and feeding tube.
Chemotherapy failed, but radiation finally shrank the tumor enough for a 30-hour surgery in October 2015. McGrath hoped for a simple recovery — but when he woke up, the worst-case scenario had come true: he had lost most of his jaw, along with his eye and ear.
His first reconstruction attempts failed, leaving him with exposed tissue. Desperate for hope, McGrath turned to Dr. Kongkrit Chaiyasate, who performed five successful surgeries using tissue from McGrath’s leg, arm, and forehead to rebuild his face.
“He’s been an incredible blessing to our family,” McGrath says. “The transformation is nothing short of miraculous.”
Now cancer-free, he’s focusing on regaining speech and the ability to eat and drink normally. Through it all, his family has been his greatest source of strength — his mother caring for his wounds, his father by his side, and his friends supporting him with fundraisers and constant encouragement.
“Before this, we were close, but now we’re inseparable,” McGrath says.
Reflecting on his journey, he adds: “This has taught me that I’m so much more than my appearance. I want my story to remind people to be grateful for their health and the simple joys in life. I never wanted the spotlight — but if sharing my experience can save or inspire even one life, it’s all been worth it.”
