My name is Spring Washam, and I am organizing this medical fundraiser for my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Robert B. Kargbo. He is a brilliant scientist, humanitarian, and one of the most compassionate souls I’ve ever known. Robert and I met at the Usona campus while I was attending a series of groundbreaking conferences. It was during a conference on Bridging Worlds that I shared about an innovative psilocybin project & potential study focused on supporting highly traumatized Black communities in the rural south. He agreed to support the project by offering his time, expertise, and great heart.

Tragically, on November 15, 2024, Robert and I were struck by a truck while walking in a crosswalk together in Atlanta, Georgia. My heart is in my hands as I write this. As we crossed the street during a volunteer visit, a truck suddenly came barreling toward us. In a split second without hesitation, Robert stepped in front of me, shielding my body with his own and pretty much saving my life. This past year has been one of the hardest of my life, and although I’ve been on my own recovery journey, I’ve watched Robert endure severe injuries with extraordinary courage.

His right hand, the hand behind over 300 scientific publications and major breakthroughs in psychedelic research, was catastrophically damaged. He now lives with severe nerve injury, mobility loss, chronic pain, and the aftermath of a life-threatening blood clot.

His injuries include:

Robert’s willingness to volunteer to support these vulnerable communities in Georgia and to put himself in harm’s way for me is something I will never forget. Your support will help him regain function, rebuild stability, and continue the scientific and humanitarian work that has touched so many. Now, he truly needs our help.

What Has Happened Since

On June 4th, Robert went out on medical disability. As his condition worsened and his recovery required more time than anticipated, he was unable to continue his employment, which concluded on October 2nd after after eight years of dedicated service. This transition has placed a significant strain on his recovery and stability, and as his friend, it has been heartbreaking to witness how profoundly these events have affected his life.

Most recently, during a stressful period of travel disruptions and repeated flight cancellations, Robert experienced a collapse consistent with acute stress-related syncope. This episode underscores the severity of his condition and the urgent need for him to remain closer to the medical teams overseeing his care. His situation is unfolding rapidly, and he needs support now as he navigates these escalating health and logistical challenges.

He lost:

And still, he has kept his heart open. He has fought with courage, with grace, with quiet faith. But he cannot do this alone any longer.

He urgently needs:

This campaign is not just about medical bills; it is about giving Robert the chance to rebuild his life.

The Hand That Changed a Field

Robert’s right hand has contributed to some of the most important innovations in psychedelic science.

With it, he has:

This is the hand that shaped an extraordinary scientific legacy and lifted thousands along the way. This is the hand that wrote groundbreaking papers, mentored colleagues, and reviewed the work of others so they could rise. This is the hand that offers support, comfort, encouragement, and kindness. Now, that same hand trembles with nerve pain. Now, that hand cannot type, draw, or work without agony. Now, that hand needs our hands to help him return to the work he was born to do.

Yet instead of turning toward bitterness after his medical separation, Robert chose gratitude. He entered a meditation practice honoring everything these hands have given him over the decades of his life—the discoveries they made, the letters they wrote, the breakthroughs they shaped, the people they touched, the embraces they offered.

Even in suffering, he is thanking these hands for a lifetime of service.

And now, those hands need to be cared for so they can heal, so they can create again, so they can continue their purpose.

⭐ WHY THIS MATTERS — The Larger Impact

This is not only Robert’s story it's a story about:

Robert’s contributions have profoundly shaped psychedelic research, trauma recovery, and mental-health innovation, touching the lives of survivors of trauma, veterans, people living with depression and PTSD, community healers, scientists around the world, and the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy itself. When we help Robert heal, we are supporting a man whose life’s work has helped the world heal. His recovery matters for science, for the psychedelic field, for the communities he serves, and for everyone who believes in compassion, service, and courage.

What His Colleagues Say

“Robert is one of the most inspiring individuals I have ever met. His optimism is infectious. He reminds us that adversity is not an excuse and that great things can be achieved no matter what hand we are dealt.”

Please Help Us Support our dear Robert

If Robert has ever inspired you, taught you, mentored you, reviewed your work, collaborated with you, encouraged you, made science more humane, or touched your life in any way, please consider donating. Every contribution moves him toward healing. Every gift helps restore his ability to work, create, and serve. Every act of generosity honors a man who risked his life to save another. From the depths of my heart, thank you.

Any donation counts, no matter how small. We’re aiming to raise $250,000. Funds will be transferred directly to Robert to support his recovery and living expenses during this challenging time.

With love and tremendous gratitude,

Spring Washam