Career
The operation took place on July 2, 2001. He survived for 151 days without a living heart. Doctor Joseph Fredi at Saint Thomas Hospital suggested the experimental procedure based on his knowledge of a research project by Abiomed.
While at Jewish Hospital, Robert became renowned and received press throughout the world on shows like Cooking Network, Dateline, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Cable News Network. As a result of Robert"s press, he received visits from Lieutenant
Governors, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Muhammad Ali. While meeting with Ali, Tools earned the name "#1 Champ" because of his fight to survive.
Due to continued complications of abdominal bleeding and a stroke, Robert died November 30, 2001.
