Eureka man's donation gives new life; heart transplant recipient will be in Rose Parade

Times-Standard | Grant Scott-Goforth

San Francisco Fire Capt. Anthony Robinson's new heart came from Danny Durbin, a 39-year-old Eureka youth minister who died suddenly of a brain hemorrhage in May 2010, leaving behind two daughters.

Now Durbin is an inspiration for Robinson.

”I'm blessed to get his gift and include him with anything I do,” Robinson said. “I always mention Danny.”

Come Jan. 2, Robinson will be one of 18 riders on the Donate Life America “One More Day” float at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.

The 53-year-old San Francisco firefighter, recovering more than one year after his surgery, now regularly speaks out publicly about the organ donation that saved his life for the California Transplant Donor Network.

”It's an honor to be selected,” Robinson said of the upcoming parade.

Robinson's parade ride comes about a year and a half after he received a new heart from Durbin. Robinson was diagnosed with the heart disease cardiomyopathy about 17 years ago, with the worst symptoms kicking in some six years ago.
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