- M
- D
In August 2019, just 2 weeks after his 51st birthday Rob and his wife Traci received devastating news. The official diagnosis from GF Strong was ALS. (Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). ALS is a degenerative disorder that causes the death of neurons that control voluntary muscles, leading to atrophy & paralysis of the body. It had been suspected, but we all hoped it was something else, something with a cure or a very long life expectancy. Then it got even harder when they had to go home and tell the kids. They embarked on this battle together with a life-extending goal and the hope that medical research results in a cure or slowing the progression of his disease so the family can make many more years of memories.
Battle began
Rob was immediately referred to McGill University and flew out the following week to be tested for a clinical trial. He was accepted into the trial and has to take monthly trips to Montreal for treatment and attended a pain clinic so he can fight as aggressively as possible. He tries to stay positive and productive even though it’s frustrating and terrifying at the same time.
Keep fighting
Rob has always been physically fit, athletic and strong so it is even more of an injustice what ALS does to the body. Due to the debilitating symptoms of the disease, Rob is no longer able to work and has difficulty with the physical duties of maintaining a household and keeping up with two active daughters. Traci has to take time off for medical and personal support and she is dedicated to making sure Rob does things he enjoys as long as he can.
As there is currently no cure for ALS, many of the treatment and pain management options are very expensive and not covered by medical insurance. Because it’s progressive, as time goes on costly equipment, services and home renovations may be necessary. This means the family needs our help to keep going.
Strength in Numbers
One thing we can all agree on is that Rob has so many amazing people in his life! He is someone who keeps in touch with childhood friends, he has the respect and admiration of his colleagues and he is known and loved in the community by other parents, neighbours, firefighters he volunteered with and more than a couple dogs.
Rob and his family know the value of having a caring support system to get through hard times. It was so important when he lost his young brother in a tragic accident years ago. Kelly would be right here fighting beside us if he could!
They are overwhelmed by the show of support from friends and family and so grateful to have you be a part of this fight for longevity!
Never Give Up
It is not going to be easy to deal with this ugly disease and the toll it takes, but we all want Rob, Traci and the girls to focus on treatments, research for a cure and quality of life, not worry about money. So if you can help to ease this one burden by supporting the family with a donation it will go a long way to ensuring Rob has the best chance to overcome the obstacles of this battle with ALS!
Please know that any support is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your kindness and caring for Rob and his beautiful family!
Battle began
Rob was immediately referred to McGill University and flew out the following week to be tested for a clinical trial. He was accepted into the trial and has to take monthly trips to Montreal for treatment and attended a pain clinic so he can fight as aggressively as possible. He tries to stay positive and productive even though it’s frustrating and terrifying at the same time.
Keep fighting
Rob has always been physically fit, athletic and strong so it is even more of an injustice what ALS does to the body. Due to the debilitating symptoms of the disease, Rob is no longer able to work and has difficulty with the physical duties of maintaining a household and keeping up with two active daughters. Traci has to take time off for medical and personal support and she is dedicated to making sure Rob does things he enjoys as long as he can.
As there is currently no cure for ALS, many of the treatment and pain management options are very expensive and not covered by medical insurance. Because it’s progressive, as time goes on costly equipment, services and home renovations may be necessary. This means the family needs our help to keep going.
Strength in Numbers
One thing we can all agree on is that Rob has so many amazing people in his life! He is someone who keeps in touch with childhood friends, he has the respect and admiration of his colleagues and he is known and loved in the community by other parents, neighbours, firefighters he volunteered with and more than a couple dogs.
Rob and his family know the value of having a caring support system to get through hard times. It was so important when he lost his young brother in a tragic accident years ago. Kelly would be right here fighting beside us if he could!
They are overwhelmed by the show of support from friends and family and so grateful to have you be a part of this fight for longevity!
Never Give Up
It is not going to be easy to deal with this ugly disease and the toll it takes, but we all want Rob, Traci and the girls to focus on treatments, research for a cure and quality of life, not worry about money. So if you can help to ease this one burden by supporting the family with a donation it will go a long way to ensuring Rob has the best chance to overcome the obstacles of this battle with ALS!
Please know that any support is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your kindness and caring for Rob and his beautiful family!
Co-organizers2
Traci MacLean
Beneficiary