As a Clinical Specialist in prosthetics, Rob has dedicated his career supporting amputees to ‘live without limits’. When he fell ill whilst travelling for work, neither he or his young family knew the breathtaking extent that his own physical and psychological limits were about to be tested.
Over the months that followed, Rob experienced worrying symptoms - episodes of dizziness, then blackouts. After a series of intense investigations, it became clear that Rob had suffered irreparable damage to his heart as a result of the illness he contracted while working.
‘I thought that was it, thought I was gone.’ Rob Hodgson.
A heart transplant was the only way to save his life and Rob joined around 1,800 fellow Australians on the waitlist for an organ transplant.
Supporting Rob and his wife Amanda through their journey was their Case Manager Greg from EML Group (pictured below with Rob and his wife Amanda).
Keeping Rob as healthy as possible during isolation was essential and proactively providing the support he and his family needed was Greg’s priority.
‘This was an incredibly complex case. Our Case Managers are the calm voice at the end of the line who bring all key stakeholders together to make sure injured workers receive the care and support they need to recover and return to work.’ Renee Hudson, Senior Manager – Claims Operations, EML NSW.
When a donor heart became available, Rob was ready and in the months that followed, with the support of his family, his employer, his medical team and EML Group, combined with his sheer determination and endurance; Rob recovered from the lifesaving surgery and slowly returned to work and all the things that he enjoyed before the illness.
‘My goal was to get back to work and get back to life.’ Rob Hodgson.
We’re proud to share this incredible story and if you’d like to see how other injured workers have got their lives back, take a look at the inspiring stories below.
If you’d like to find out more about how tissue donation saves lives, restores health and improves the quality of life for thousands of Australians each year visit DonateLife or Jersey Day.