Has your life been burned into “before” and “after”?

This true story of a Mississippi firefighter who lost his face in a fire proves you can keep going after catastrophic loss, one imperfect step at a time.

I need that reassurance

There’s a moment

when life splits in two.

Before.

And after.

The diagnosis.

The midnight phone call.

The accident you never saw coming.

You didn’t choose this version of your life.

Pat Hardison didn’t choose to lose his face in a fire.

A Mississippi firefighter, Pat, ran into a burning home to save a woman trapped inside, and came out burned beyond recognition. In a matter of seconds, he lost his face, his career, and the life he thought he was building as a husband, father, and business owner.

But that wasn’t the end of the loss.

This is not a fairy tale with miraculuous results and no struggles.

It’s a true story about losing everything — more than once — and choosing to rebuild again and again.

He endured years of surgeries. Complications. Addictions. Public exposure. Financial strain.

The slow, grinding reality of recovery.

Then he made a decision that carried staggering risk.

He opted for one of the most extensive face transplants ever performed — a groundbreaking surgery that would either change everything… or end it all.

With the whole world watching.

If your life has been divided into “before” and “after,” this story doesn’t promise easy answers.

But it does offer something stronger.

Proof that survival is possible — even when everything burns down around you.

Read the Story of Survival

AS SEEN ON

MEET the author

Hey, I'm Pat!

I was a small-town firefighter in Mississippi when a house fire in 2001 changed my life in seconds. That was me in my dress whites before the accident.

I don’t call myself a hero. I’m a dad. I’m a granddad. I’m a man who had to decide, over and over again, to keep showing up when quitting would have been easier.

My story isn’t about perfection. It’s about grit, faith, second chances, and the gift of organ donation that made my life possible again.

I believe God kept me here for a reason.

And I’m determined to make it count.

#1 Best Seller in

Fire & Emergency Services Memoirs

We are thrilled to announce that Facing the Fire launched as a Top New Release in its category and then became a #1 BestSeller within its first week on the market!

Congratulations, Pat!

TESTIMONIALS

What others are saying

"Raw and inspiring"

"Pat is a true representation of hope and faith. This was such an emotional and moving book and made it hard to put down. Just an overall great read." - Kassidy

"A Powerful Story"

"Bought this on a whim to read, but it a deeply moving and unforgettable read. Full of raw honesty and very emotional of surviving such a huge tragedy, but its not an overwhelming but will stay with you after your finished reading."

- WhimsyWanderer

"Exceptional writing and an incredible story"

"When the pandemic hit, I started reading. Read too many of the classics to keep up. Saw this book and it intrigued me so I gave it a shot. Holy hell this book is good. From the prologue to the last page I couldn't stop turning pages. I felt like I had known Pat my whole life and was sharing the pain he went thru. Exceptional writing and an incredible story. I will read this more than once."

- Anonymous

"10/10 Recommend"

"A great book that I couldn’t put down. What a great testimony of faith, strength and resilience. 10/10 recommend!" - Carrie H

"NOT JUST ANOTHER CHRISTIAN BIO!"

"NOT JUST ANOTHER "LOOK HOW BAD I WAS" CHRISTIAN BIO. This book speaks to the realities that first responders deal with every day. We go from a tragic, traumatic fiery inferno to a mirror scene months later. The reader can picture this, and it is powerful. The story never drags. There are dramatic transitions that keep the narrative moving at an entertaining, “can’t put it down” pace." - Don

"Must Read"

"I have read this book twice already…and couldn’t put it down either time! You will laugh, cry, and get a true picture of what strong faith, family and friends that don’t give up look like. Parts of it were so emotional and hard on the heart to read, but it’s truthful and raw. 10/10 and hope it gets picked up for the big screen" - Lori

"It will leave you with courage"

"If you are facing life’s struggles and think there is no hope… READ this book! Pat, Chrissi and their family were just like any normal southern American family. They loved to entertain, spend time with their kids and lived life to the fullest… then one day without warning the unexpected tragedy hit and changed their lives forever! Their Faith in God and their perseverance is nothing short of amazing! You will see that reading this book!! This is a book you will read quickly.. you wont be able to put it down. It will leave you with courage, hope and the motivation to keep going even on the days you want to throw in the towel! ❤️❤️ 10/10 recommendation this book!" - Wendy

"Must Read"

"I have never been a book reader. I spent my entire life in the military or public service jobs where all I read was regulations, laws, SOPs, and legislation. I have even bought an untold number of political books and might get through the first chapter and that's it. It's the first book I have ever completed. I just couldn't put it down. Yes it's that good. Pat lays his entire life out before your eyes. The good, the bad, and the ugly, but isn't that life. He's story is unbelievable. It's a story of success, tragedy, loss, recovery, and a renewed purpose in life. Yes, Pat has been knocked down several times in fact close to death on more than one occasion. But now his story is one of faith, hope, and life. You have to read this book.

Thank you, Pat, for sharing your story with us."

- Robert

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is this book just about a medical procedure?

No. While the face transplant was groundbreaking, Facing the Fire is about what happens after everything changes overnight — the long recovery, the setbacks, the hard choices, and the daily decision to keep going.

Question 2: Is this story graphic or difficult to read?

Pat is honest about what happened, but this book is not written to shock. It’s written to tell the truth — plainly and respectfully — about loss, recovery, and rebuilding. There are details given that may be intense for some readers.

Question 3: Is this a faith-based book?

Faith is an important part of Pat’s story. He believes God kept him here for a reason. But this book is not preachy. It’s a real-life account of grit, struggle, doubt, and second chances.

Question 4: Will this book resonate if I’m not religious?

Yes. At its core, this is a human story about survival, identity, and rebuilding after catastrophic change.

Question 5: What will I walk away with after reading this book?

You’ll walk away with proof that catastrophic change does not have to be the end of your story — and that even when life is divided into before and after, tomorrow is still worth showing up for.

Question 6: Is this a good book for book clubs?

Absolutely. Facing the Fire sparks meaningful conversation about resilience, identity, faith, organ donation, and what it means to rebuild after loss. Discussion questions can be made available upon request.

Question 7: Do you offer bulk discounts for churches, fire departments, or events?

Yes. Bulk pricing is available for organizations, conferences, and community groups. Contact us directly for pricing and availability.

Get Your Copy of Facing the Fire

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