LA Man Asks For Donations To Pay For Facial Transplant

LOS ANGELES, CA -- A fundraiser is underway Tuesday for a Los Angeles man hoping to be the first African American man in the U.S. to receive a facial transplantation. After launching his GoFundMe page one month ago, Robert Chelsea has raised $43,000 but he needs $65,000 to make his dream a reality.

Chelsea's story behind the needed transplant starts five years ago when his car was struck by a drunk driver, the GoFundMe page said.

"Robert’s car exploded on impact," the page said. "He suffered third-degree burns over 50 percent of his body—mostly to his upper body and face—making him nearly unrecognizable to his friends, his family and himself. It was only by the grace of God and the quick thinking and heroism of standers by that he survived the accident."

After more than 30 surgeries, Chelsea is now hoping to receive a face transplant to help normalize his life.

"After three years of tests and physical and psychological evaluations, I have now been qualified as a candidate for the facial reconstruction/transplantation and I look forward to when I can kiss my daughter's cheek with my own lips again," Chelsea wrote on the GoFundMe page.

The GoFundMe page said the procedure includes Chelsea flying to Boston where he will stay for six months as he undergoes the "extensive treatment."

"As of May 2018, I am #1 on the Donor list to receive this procedure," Chelsea wrote. "But without the necessary funds, I will lose this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Please help me meet my goal."

For more information about Robert Chelsea or to donate to his fundraiser, go to gofundme.com.

--Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner