In 2013, Robert Chelsea’s life took a dramatic turn when he was struck by a drunk driver. The accident left him with devastating injuries that changed his appearance and quality of life forever. After enduring years of challenges and waiting for the right donor, Chelsea became the first African American man to receive a full face transplant.
The collision left Robert Chelsea with severe burns covering over 60% of his body. During his year-and-a-half-long hospitalization, he underwent more than 30 surgeries. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, they were unable to restore vital parts of his face, including his lips, nose, and left ear. Simple tasks like eating and drinking became daily struggles, requiring Chelsea to tilt his head back to consume liquids.
Finding a suitable face donor was especially challenging for Chelsea due to the need for a match with a similar skin tone. He declined an offer in 2018 because the donor’s complexion was significantly lighter than his own. “I didn’t want to look like a completely different person,” Chelsea told TIME.
African Americans face a significant disparity in organ donation. In 2015, only 17% of African American patients in need of organ transplants received one, compared to 30% of white patients. Chelsea’s determination to wait for the ideal match highlights the importance of diverse donors.
In 2019, a 62-year-old man with a skin tone closely matching Chelsea’s passed away unexpectedly, providing the opportunity for the historic procedure. Chelsea expressed deep gratitude for the donor’s family, recognizing the profound loss they experienced.The 16-hour operation took place at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Over 45 medical professionals collaborated to perform the transplant. Chelsea became the 15th person in the U.S. to undergo a full face transplant and the first African American to achieve this milestone.
Just ten days after the surgery, Chelsea experienced remarkable progress. He could eat, talk, and breathe independently—a testament to his resilience and the skill of the medical team.Chelsea’s journey didn’t end with his recovery. He founded Donor’s Dream, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting organ donation. Chelsea’s advocacy focuses on encouraging individuals of all ethnic backgrounds to consider donating not only internal organs but also external grafts like skin and hands.
“I’ve always cared deeply about humanity,” Chelsea said. “This experience has only strengthened my commitment to helping others.”
While Chelsea continues to recover and undergo follow-up treatments, his determination to lead a fulfilling life shines through. “This experience has been an incredible journey, filled with challenges but also immense hope,” he said. His story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of medical science, perseverance, and community support.
