Graduation ceremony held for hospitalized father of twins

By Joe Kuttenkuler

With friends, family and some of his caregivers looking on, Robbie Vance witnessed an event that just weeks earlier he wasn’t sure he’d be alive to see – the high school graduation of his twin daughters, Lauren and Lindsay.

Robbie and his wife, Gail, were on the way to Arizona for vacation in March when he developed acute pancreatitis and needed to be hospitalized. “It was touch and go for quite awhile … there was a 50-50 chance he wouldn’t survive,” said Gail.

After 71 days and multiple surgeries, Robbie was transferred to the VCU Medical Center. The severe illness had robbed him of 80 pounds, much of the couple’s savings and their presence at their twin daughters’ prom and 18th birthdays.

Today, representatives from the Prince George School System made sure Robbie wouldn’t miss seeing his girls receive their diplomas.

Although in stable condition, Robbie is unable to leave the hospital. But he was well enough to be wheeled to a conference room where he had a front row seat as Dorothea Shannon, superintendent of Prince George Schools, and other administrators presented Lauren and Lindsay their diplomas in a special ceremony.

“We didn’t think you were going to be here for this,” said Gail smiling through tears as she looked down at Robbie. “But it happened … you got to see your girls graduate.”

“It’s awesome – I couldn’t stand to not be with them for this,” said Robbie.

“I’m just happy my dad is here and could be a part of this,” said Lauren “We have a lot to celebrate.”