Md. Boy Shows Off New Hands A Year After Double-Hand Transplant

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--He's the first child in the world to receive a double hand transplant. Now, one year later, the 9-year-old from Owings Mills, says he's feeling better than ever.

He may not have much to say, but he certainly has an incredible story.

Zion Harvey lost his hands and feet, when he was 2. He had a serious infection that also led to a kidney transplant.

Last year, he underwent a 10-hour surgery involving a 40-member team at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where a donor's hands and forearms were attached to Zion's arms.

"Now I can do more stuff, I can grip a baseball bat better," he says.

"We are very blessed and fortunate to be here today," says Zion's mother.

Doctors say he's making incredible progress doing therapy at the Kennedy Krieger Institute.

"He was seen 5 days a week for 3 hours of occupational therapy a day, for ten months," said doctors.

Earlier this month, he threw out the first pitch at the Orioles game.

RELATED: Md. Boy Who Had Double Hand Transplant Throws First Pitch At O's Game

Zion's mom says, "It still feels surreal. It still feels like I am living my dream. It's his dream, but it's mine too."

When asked where he gets his strength and wisdom

"It has to come from two most amazing people.  My mom and my grandmom," says Zion.

He has a long way to go, but he says convincing his mom to let him play football is at the top of his list.

Doctors say only 25 hand transplants have been done in the entire world.

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