03/13/2020
In the most tragic event of his life, Robert Chelsea endured third-degree burns affecting over 60% of his face and body. Once a vibrant, spiritual, beacon of light, he laid seemingly lifeless for 6 months in a coma and 18 grueling and painful months in a hospital bed unaware of the true severity of his injuries.
On a regular day, in August 2013, Robert Chelsea was headed home from church service(s) on the 605 freeway in Los Angeles, CA. Incidentally, his car overheated so he pulled over to the side of the freeway to await roadside assistance. In that instant, a drunk driver- with three previous DUI convictions- slammed into his car with such violent force that it exploded on impact. Robert and those close to him, credit only the grace of God and a heroic bystander’s quick thinking and willingness to help as the reasons he survived that unimaginable day.
After the collision, most of his facial tissue (including lips) were completely burned off. Since then, he has endured more than 30 surgeries to repair the extensive damage to his body. After years of tests, evaluations (physical and psychological), and a very long wait for a donor, finally, Chelsea was able to move into the next stage of his recovery. With a hopeful spirit, he underwent a successful sixteen-hour full face transplant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital this past July. At 68 years old, Chelsea is consistently overcoming his adversities, returning to his original self, and is proud to be the first, and oldest African American in the world, to receive a full face transplant.
