Please Help Support Country Bob's Medical Costs

A Bit About Bob...

Those who know him, would agree that he's a pretty amazing man.

The Basic Stats:

Bob is in his early 60's and was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario and currently lives with his sister, Emma.  Bob also has an intellectual disability.  

Bob and Emma both remember growing up in a house filled with music.  Their childhood memories are filled with ones of their dad playing the Hawaiian guitar and singing.  His childhood ultimately inspired Bob to have a LOVE for country music which has developed into a deep passion and an amazing talent.  Most recently, Bob has started his own YouTube Channel “Country Bob”  and enjoys singing karaoke style classic country songs. 

Along with being an empathic, kind and true gentleman with a radio voice that's a smooth as butter, he has definitely found his calling and discovered a passion in life.

In 2002, Bob and Emma’s mother Gloria passed away after having an aneurysm and becoming paralyzed from the chest down.  Just before going into the hospital, she said to her daughter, “Emma, I think you better have Bob come and get used to living with you in case something happens.” 

So, since December 2001, Bob has been living with his sister Emma who cares for him deeply and provides assistance for him to live as independently as possible.  


Now The Medical Story:

In July 2010, Bob had to have his right kidney removed because of cancer.  Since then, with only one kidney remaining,  Bob was recently diagnosed in with Stage 4 renal cell carcinoma with a right adrenal gland tumour.  Recognizing that we only have 2 kidneys, Bob's health is significantly compromised as one kidney has been removed and the other affected with Stage 4 cancer.

Upon hearing the diagnosis, Bob and his sister Emma were told that the only option would be for Bob to take a drug that would make him very sick, and otherwise there was nothing that could be done for him.  Bob was told that he would likely have approximately 2-3 years remaining and that the main goal would be to make him comfortable, and for Emma, that news wasn't going to cut it.

Through tireless efforts to find treatments to prolong Bob's life, Emma discovered a type of surgery that uses specialized equipment to focus about 200 tiny beams of radiation on a tumor with sub-millimeter accuracy.  Only a few places offer this specialized treatment in Ontario and after being turned away on their first attempt, it was the London Health Sciences Centre that finally accepted Bob as a patient and began to look at what they could do to treat his cancer.

Pictured above: Bob and one of many radiation appointments - big smiles, as always! 

Bob and Emma have since traveled to London, ON for many, many appointments including 8 radiation therapies. 

Of course, the cost of travel and the fact that Emma is not able to work during this time adds a financial stress on both of them.  

A Medical Update and Why Bob Needs Your Help:

In January 2018, Bob's check up and CAT Scan results showed that there was no increase in size of the tumour.  Bob's Radiation Oncologist said the tumor is stable at this point.  She also said, "you are amazing Bob. I'm so PLEASED at how well you are doing!" 

Pictured above: Bob ringing the gong after his last radiation treatment. 

Approximately 2 weeks after Bob’s last radiation treatment, he began having some significant back pain.  The treatment that was recommended to manage Bob's pain is not covered by provincial funding or any health insurance.  Emma is currently paying $783.00/month for the treatment to do what she can to keep Bob comfortable and without pain.

As Emma is not able to work at this time, the cost of the treatment needed to manage Bob’s pain makes it difficult to pay the bills leaving them faced with possibly having to sell their home.

Please do the right thing.  Please consider donating (large or small) to financially support Bob and Emma to help cover the costs medical treatment, bills and living expenses.     

" While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary." ~ Matt Bevin