Short Wave The First African American Face Transplant
Dec 19, 2019
In this insightful discussion, Jamie Ducharme, a staff writer at Time, shares the inspiring journey of Robert Chelsea, who became the first African American to undergo a full face transplant after a life-altering accident. They delve into Robert's incredible resilience and transformation, the challenges he faced in finding a suitable donor, and the importance of representation in organ donation, particularly within the African American community. Their conversation highlights the power of personal stories to inspire others and foster trust in medical systems.
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Robert's Accident and Injuries
- Robert Chelsea was severely burned in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in 2013.
- He spent 1.5 years in the hospital and didn't see his face for eight months.
First Transplant Offer
- Robert Chelsea quickly received an offer for a face transplant, but declined the first offer.
- The donor's complexion was too light, and Robert wasn't ready for such a drastic change.
Historical Significance
- Robert Chelsea is the first African American to receive a full face transplant.
- This is significant due to the history of mistreatment of African Americans in the US medical system, causing mistrust and lower organ donation rates.