KNOX, Pa. (EYT) – Seth Apel, the Knox teenager whose arm was severed and reattached by doctors at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, will be honored next month in Orlando, Florida.

It was nearly two years ago when Apel lost his right arm in an accident while he and his family were hauling firewood. Apel was taken by helicopter to UPMC’s Children’s Hospital where pediatric plastic surgeon Dr. Lorelei Grunwaldt reattached his arm.

On Friday, October 6, Apel will be honored by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He will be one of three recipients of the “Patients of Courage” award along with Dr. Grunwaldt, who nominated Apel for the award.

The surgery lasted eight hours and he has been able to resume playing Little League baseball. Apel learned how to catch and throw a baseball with his left hand.

The ceremony will be part of a busy fall for Apel, who is going on an elk hunt in Oregon later in October through the Camo Cares event that is held locally.

While Apel, who is now 14, has regained movement in his right shoulder and elbow, he still can’t use his right hand and he will have another surgery on it in November at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in an effort to restore more function.

Apel’s surgery is scheduled for November 7, two years to the day after the accident.

According to a published article on triblive.com, in a letter to Seth and his family, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons called his story inspiring.

“The grace, focus, and faith he has exhibited throughout his treatment and continued recovery is a testament to his strength of character and determination,” the letter stated. “He’s a remarkable young man.”

Grunwaldt “represents the very best of her specialty – and the seemingly limitless potential of reconstructive surgery,” the ASPS said.

Seth will be presented the award on-stage during opening ceremonies at Epcot in Orlando, Florida. He will also participate in a panel discussion the following day with roughly 3,000 plastic surgeons.