After Dual-Arm Transplant, Marine Pursues Dream To Become A Chef

Since he was a young boy, John Peck’s dream was to become a chef. Instead, he became a Marine.

Unfortunately, in 2010, John’s military career ended while on tour in Afghanistan, after he stepped on an explosive device. He was lucky to survive as a quadruple amputee.

Still, without his arms or legs, Peck’s aspirations of becoming a chef never faltered.

Now, with the help of a recent dual-arm transplant, Peck says he’s traveling to Italy, enrolling in culinary school, and plans to become the next Food Network star.

Peck is now the second person in the world to receive a dual-arm transplant.  On Wednesday October 5, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, Peck spoke at his first public post-transplant press conference, where he thanked the family of his donor and explained his plan for the next chapter of his new life.

“My dream job since I was 12 was to be a chef. Now because of my donor’s gift, I actually have a fighting chance of doing this. I plan on going to culinary school, traveling to Paris and Italy, learning their techniques, coming back, and competing as the next Food Network star.”

Still a Marine at heart, Peck exudes a die-hard motivation to pursue his dreams and will not settle in his current situation.

“I am unwilling to accept this until the day I die,” he said in an interview with The Washington Post.

Through more than four years of excruciating recovery, Peck has documented his journey on John Peck’s Journey Facebook page. Since his story broke, there’s been an outpouring of support.

Thankful for the well wishes, Peck has announced a live Q&A session that will be hosted on the John Peck’s Journey Facebook page Thursday, October 6 at 8:00 pm EST.

Peck’s story not only serves as an inspiration for those who are recovering from injuries of war, but should resonate heavily with those who are still in pursuit of their culinary goals.