Bob and Wendy Richardson Fund

Many of us know and remember Bob and Wendy Richardson as friendly faces at the airport for the past 28 years, who would give the shirts off their back for anyone who asked - wanting nothing in return. Bob and Wendy, who have had a lifetime passion for animals, especially dogs, are now in desperate need of our help.

Unfortunately, on June 6th of this year, Bob, a nonsmoker, was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. After going through several sessions of radiation, doctors no longer deemed it a viable option because the cancer had metastasized to his lymph glands. Bob is now being treated with intensive chemotherapy.

While Bob is fighting for his life, Wendy has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and is undergoing treatment as well.

Because of the cancer and his weakened condition, Bob was forced to leave his job at the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority in June. With Bob’s salary ending and medical payments growing, Bob’s incredible co-workers banded together to give up their sick time to cover Bob’s paycheck from June to September 1st. It was the kindness of these people that got Bob and Wendy through the beginning of these tough times. Still, there is a long road ahead.

Because of his age, Bob is not yet eligible to receive social security, and with his short-term disability from his previous employer ending at the end of the year, Bob and Wendy have been left to cover their mounting medical and personal costs themselves.

I went to see Bob and Wendy yesterday with my father, Kurt Kattrein, and I left wondering how such positive and loving people – who have been married for 23 years  - could end up in this position. While the suffering that Bob and Wendy are going through is unimaginable for most of us, this is their reality.

If you could please consider donating to this fund, it would mean the world to Bob and Wendy. Life can truly turn on a dime, and it could be any of us in this situation. If you can, please pay it forward.