On Friday July 31st, while out in Palm Desert with friends and family, Robert suffered a massive heart attack. He was rushed immediately to Eisenhower Hospital in Palm Desert. Unfortunately, Eisenhower could not capacitate Robert’s condition and he had to be airlifted to UCSD Hospital in La Jolla. Due to his condition, Robert was placed in an induced coma. 

Robert has had many good days but also many bad days. He has endured multiple surgeries and still has more to go. Things were unpredictable at first. Robert almost needed a heart transplant, but thankfully, he endured and his heart began to heal. While a new heart wasn’t needed, a pace maker is. He will be having that surgery this Friday, August 21st. 

Unfortunately, his heart wasn’t the extent of his injuries and he suffered problems to his kidneys and also suffered for a short time of having no oxygen getting to his brain.  He is still on dialysis. Thankfully, Robert is no longer in a coma and is speaking, but his memory and motor skills are very foggy. He has a long road of recovery ahead of him. 

Luckily, he has his wife Jennifer by his side everyday making sure he is comfortable and most importantly, not alone. Just this past Sunday (August 16th) the hospital granted her permission to bring the kids to see their dad for the first time in nearly a month! It was the best day the Nicol family got to spend together in a long time. You could see the excitement on Robert’s face and in the faces of his two children. 

Robert’s beautiful family is made up of his wife, Jennifer and their two children, Gunner and Bella. Having two children is already a handful but now, Jennifer will have to direct a lot of time and care to Robert, since he will have to relearn a lot of basic motor skills. Jennifer is very patient, caring and capable of caring for Robert. Luckily, she has more free time since being let go from her job, but unfortunately, this will create a financial burden as we do not know when Jennifer or Robert will be able to work again. 

Anything that you can donate will help go towards the family in paying for Robert’s medical bills as well as any other bills that may arise in the future. This will help relieve some of the financial stress that may occur at home during this long and strenuous journey. 

This is a unprecedented time for everyone, but the Nicol’s would greatly appreciate any donation, as well as a kind message, if you may not be in a position to donate. Sometimes kind words have more meaning than any monetary value. Both Robert and Jennifer’s families appreciate the help as well! 

Thank you for your support and we really appreciate you helping us get Robert back on his feet! The Los Angeles Dodgers even showed their support by giving Robert a shout out on live TV from announcers Joe Davis and Orel Hershiser during a recent game played against the San Diego Padres! Robert loves his Dodgers and it really boosted the families’ spirts!