2 years after losing his wife and dog in yacht fire, South Florida man shares survival story at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital event

Two years after a yacht erupted in flames a South Florida father shared his survival story and thanked those who saved his life Standing before other trauma survivors on Wednesday -year-old Michael Robson was the keynote speaker at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital s trauma and burn operation Robson lost his wife and dog in the fire but he provided words of hope to the crowd at the event It s about finding your courage and no matter how hard it is know that you are not alone noted Robson The journey of finding one s courage is one Robson knows too well Robson almost lost his life in July when his flames tore through his yacht at Perry Hotel Marina in the Florida Keys Being almost dead and He lets you live There has to be a reason So what is the reason Well there has to be a purpose he noted Moments before the tragedy he announced he was spending time with his wife Linda Vella We had gone to bed around o clock We had a storm that blew in and knocked her e-bike into the water We pulled it out We hosed it off We took the battery out Three hours later it caught on fire from the saltwater noted Robson He reported he and his son got out of the boat injured by the flames I got out of the boat badly burned from the battery My son got out he commented Robson and his son were airlifted to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical condition His wife and their beloved dog died in the blaze I believe that my wife went back for the dog Dozer and just never made it out with the smoke inhalation declared Robson His son recovered swiftly but he spent six months in the hospital suffering from severe burns Robson explained that the combination of fighting for his life and dealing with mourning his wife and pet made for a tough time It was the the majority painful thing I ve ever been involved with in my entire life declared Robson In his worst days the survivor stated he remembered his wife s voice to give him the strength to keep fighting She had advised me that if anything happened to her she desired me to raise the kids to fight for them no matter what That I was their dad he declared In his keynote speech he thanked the diagnostic staff and doctors who saved his life and nursed him back to healthcare but he also pointed to his children who stood by his side as he recovered They gave up their lives their jobs to come take care of Dad he stated By sharing his story Robson wants to remind others who are struggling that they are stronger than they think