My name is Kimberly, and I’m starting this fundraiser on behalf of my brother-in-law, Rob “Roc” Bennett — a devoted husband, father of two, and a man who has always given so much to those around him.

For the past several years, Rob has bravely been living with congestive heart failure — at one point his heart was functioning at only 11% capacity. Then, on September 3, things took a dramatic turn: he began experiencing extreme water-retention symptoms, which led to an emergency trip to the ER. At the Washington Hospital Vascular Surgery Center, he was told he was “the sickest man in the hospital”. His heart had worsened significantly, and his organs were beginning to fail. He needed immediate surgery to survive.

Thanks to God’s grace and the incredible team of doctors, Rob underwent his first procedure: a cardiopulmonary bypass that diverted his heart’s blood flow and allowed his organs to recover and function properly again. But this was only a temporary solution — a stop-gap that did not address the root cause of his failing heart.

On September 11, Rob underwent an open-heart surgery to implant a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) — a mechanical pump that supports his heart’s function and gives him renewed life. The surgery was successful, and Rob is now embarking on a long and challenging road of recovery: rehabilitating for the next 12 months, with the goal of ultimately being eligible for a heart transplant.

While the medical miracle is real, the financial burden has grown overwhelmingly heavy. To date, Rob’s care has cost over $1.9 million, and he is expected to cover at least 5% of that, not to mention medications, insurance premiums, doctor co-pays, and daily living expenses. On top of that, Rob’s income has dropped by 70% — he is on 100% disability and cannot work for the foreseeable future.

Just four months ago, Rob married his high-school sweetheart — a beautiful new chapter in life. He is the sole provider for his wife and their two children. And now they’ve been thrust into this unexpected, harrowing journey.

That’s why we are asking for your help. We’ve set a fundraising goal of $80,000, which will allow Rob and his family to focus entirely on his healing — not on mounting bills, insurance uncertainties, or lost income. Your gift won’t just help pay the medical bills. It will give Rob peace of mind, time to rest, strength to heal, and hope for a brighter future.

Every donation — no matter the size — matters. If you can’t give, you can still help by sharing this page with friends, family, and your network. With your support, we believe Rob can beat the odds again.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read Rob’s story, for your prayers, your kindness, and for being part of this journey. We are deeply grateful.

With sincere appreciation,

Kimberly W. & The Bennett Family