2019 Dr. Robert Hill

Name:                                     Dr. Robert Hill

Type of Donation:             Organ recipient

Age and Location:             Age 52 – Los Angeles, CA

Transplant Date:                  4/6/ 2017

Sponsor:                               Honored by Cedars Sinai Medical Center

DR. ROBERT’S STORY

Diagnosed in 2004 with cardiomyopathy, Dr. Robert Hill was initially prescribed medication to manage his condition, and for several years, he continued his life as a single parent of three beautiful little girls, while at the same time finishing his doctoral program. Robert really did not have time to be sick, so he continued maintaining his normal life as best as he could for the next 13 years.

Robert suffered a stroke in 2011, but he was able to recover and continue with his busy life. In February 2017 it all came too close to an end. After several bouts and stints in the hospital, he was experiencing severe stomach pains and he decided to visit Cedars Sinai Medical Center, prompted by a positive experience when visiting a friend at that hospital. He took a taxi to the hospital and collapsed shortly after being admitted at Cedars Sinai. When he woke up, the emergency doctor informed him that his heart had deteriorated to the point that he needed a heart transplant to survive, as well as a kidney transplant.

Robert spent the next two and a half months at Cedars Sinai while being treated for his heart condition, and waiting for a matching heart that would save his life.  During his stay at the hospital, Robert made great friends among all the medical staff that treated him every day. After receiving medical care for a few weeks, the moment came when he would need and LVAD to keep him alive while he waited for a transplant. While Robert’s doctor was attending a medical emergency and his LVAD surgery was delayed, Robert received the call that saved his life: a perfect heart and kidney match was found, and he received a new heart and kidney on that same day. His transplant has not only allowed him to resume his life, and thanks to his donor’s gifts, he now feels better than ever.

Robert considers that with such a tremendous gift, comes great responsibility and he has decided that his new purpose in life is to help educate and inspire other about the power of organ, eye and tissue donation. He was able to resume his full duties as the Dean of Student Services at Glendale Community College, and he can now continue to hug his seven daughters and foster relationships with family and loved ones with a new meaning.

Robert is now infinitely grateful to Richard, his donor. He is also grateful to Richard’s mother, Lupe, Richard’s two-year-old daughter, and the rest of his donor’s family and loved ones. He just recently heard from his donor’s mother, Lupe, and she shared information about how wonderful of a human being her son Richard was. He is in the process of responding to her with the hope of meeting Richard’s family someday. He is also in the process of writing a book on his behalf, as a fundraiser for Richard’s small daughter. The book is entitled based on his benevolence…Con Todo Su Corazón! (With All His Heart).  Overall, Robert is just thankful and forever grateful.