FOX 5 Special: Jeff's Journey

ATLANTA (MyFOX ATLANTA) - Jeff Kepner -- 57-years-old -- of Augusta lost his limbs a decade ago to a strep infection.

He learned to live with prosthetics.

Then, last May, an amazing opportunity came along -- a  transplant operation that could change his life forever.

While just a baby in his father's arms, Jeff Kepner couldn't begin to imagine the heavy load he would carry one day. 

"We are increasing the strength in his wrists," said a doctor.

Now 57, Kepner, who lost his arms and legs to a bacterial infection 10 years ago, holds on to life with hands donated by another.

"Once I got a good look at them they looked so normal, so good, I thought these were mine," said Jeff Kepner.

Last May, in a 10 hour operation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Kepner became the first double arm and hand transplant recipient in the united states.

The donor was a 23-year-old man who died in a car accident.

'I feel blessed to have the opportunity for a second chance," said Kepner. "I hope they will do what the doctors said they would do."

But it will take time. Intensive therapy has followed his surgery -- first in Pittsburgh and now in his hometown of Augusta.

"We are doing these strengthening exercises."

With therapy five days a week -- four hours a day -- Kepner is trying to gain strength and movement.

"Right now, there's enough muscles function here for him to move his wrists freely," said physical therapist Ray Domyslawski.

For now, therapist Ray Domyslawski is his right hand.

"Progress is slow. We are gaining range of motion and strength....yet limited," said Domyslawski.

Together they wait for the nerve to grow from the forearms to the hands.

"We think about the nerve growing an inch a month," said Domyslawski. "With Jeff being six months post op, his nerve is about this level right now." Domyslawski gestures with his hands.

Jeff can't hold a fork or spoon just yet, but as the nerve continues to grow in each of his arms, so does the hope that one day he will be able to do those two things and much more.

Kepner wants more than anything to hug his 14-year-old daughter, Jordan, and hold his wife's hand.

"That's a big thing for me. Not to be able to do that again -- my daughter -- that's what sold me."

Wife Valerie was pretty convincing too. Having the operation was all her idea. She read about the program and submitted his name as a possible candidate.

She can't wait to hold his hand too.

"I can't wait for the day he can feel it and I think the possibility is just amazing," said Valerie Kepner.

Doctors sid Jeff should gain the full use of his hands and arms in about a year.

Until then, he keeps his sights set on the beloved red truck he longs to drive. 

Doctors said Kepner's prognosis is excellent. He has shown no signs of rejection because his donors' blood and tissue matched perfectly. So, he's on very little rejection medication.

His doctors said all Kepner needs now is time.