Transplant Games Patient Stories: Robert

Supporting the Team

Not everyone at the Transplant Games attends to compete. Robert S. just celebrated his one-year transplant anniversary. “June 22nd was a big milestone for me,” he shared proudly. He came to the Games because he “wanted to give Team Georgia my full support,” he said with enthusiasm.

Robert’s transplant story started when he had a heart attack in 2019. This was followed by heart failure two years later. However, in June of 2023 he was lucky enough to receive a transplant. Since his surgery, he has been focused on his health and follow-up treatments.

To stay on top of his care, Robert mentioned, “Follow up labs, doctor visits, and biopsies right after my transplant have been really important.” He also uses the AlloSure and AlloMap tests to monitor his health. “Reviewing those tests has helped me understand where I am and where I need to be,” he explained.

One of his favorite moments from the Games was the opening ceremony. “There were some great speakers. Dr. Carlton Young, [Transplant Surgeon at University of Alabama Birmingham] stood out, as he really showed he cared about people, including heart transplant recipients like myself.”

Looking to the future, Robert has big goals. “My goal is to get a gold medal [at the Games] in 2026,” he said with determination, considering basketball or track as possible sports to compete in.

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