As a San Francisco fireman, Anthony Robinson's mission in life was to save others; he never thought that he would need a hero to save his own life. In February 2010, Robinson went to the hospital, and as he recalled, "It looked like I was never going to leave." His only hope was the uncertain wait for a heart transplant. Three months later came the news that someone had said "yes" to donation and his wait would end. Now an active Donate Life Ambassador, Anthony speaks to high school students and civic groups. For a man once uncertain of his future beyond a hospital bed, he's returned to a life in constant motion, always thankful to his donor and the donor's family.

Anthony's Story

As a San Francisco fireman, Anthony Robinson's mission in life was to save others; he never thought that he would need a hero to save his own life.

In 1993 came a wake-up call. "I got real tired one day. I was short of breath, even while lying down. I knew something wasn't right." His problem was his heart. From the doctors came a prediction - one day, he would need a heart transplant. Anthony had a reaction typical of a "can do" guy. "I did not believe them. With medicine I felt better, and I continued to live my life."

That worked for about five years. Eventually though, his luck and time ran out. He got sick, "really sick." He was off work for year and returned to a desk job. "As time progressed, I got weaker and weaker; I felt like an old man," the now 52-year-old Fire Captain said. For most of his life, the word 'active' described him perfectly, and now, "walking one block felt like I had run a marathon."

In February of 2010, Robinson went to the hospital, "and it looked like I was never going to leave." Instead, he had to stay and wait for the opportunity to get a new heart. Three months later, on May 9, 2010, a nurse arrived at 3 a.m. with news that he would be receiving a new heart shortly. He was extremely fortunate because someone had said "yes" to donation. "The moment I opened my eyes after the transplant surgery, I felt better." His doctors later said Robinson probably had two weeks more to live, had he not gotten the 'gift of life.'

Robinson later found out his donor was a 39-year-old man from a community near the Bay Area. The donor had told his two daughters years before that he would like to become an organ and tissue donor one day. Today, Robinson is a passionate and active volunteer for the California Transplant Donor Network. As a Donate Life Ambassador, Anthony speaks to high school students and civic groups, telling his story. He's also resumed the lifestyle he loved.

For a man once uncertain of his future beyond a hospital bed, he's returned to a life in constant motion, including climbing 54 flights of stairs in a charity event. He is very grateful and thankful to his donor and the donor's family who wanted to help others live through the gift of life.