Bob Hines Comfort Care Fund

Many of you know my dad, Bob Hines. Whether you know him from his years as a Head Start teacher, his involvement in the community or church, or his nights singing and dancing around town, you probably remember his big smile and even bigger heart. It pains me to say that we are entering his final stretch of time with us, and we are trying to ensure he is kept as comfortable as possible before he passes.

Despite previously beating prostate cancer, in mid-2022 we found out that it had come back; only this time it had spread into his bones. He spent the rest of the year fighting, but because of his ongoing chronic heart problem, his treatment options were limited. He tried to maintain an active lifestyle while going in and out of the hospital for various complications.

Late last month he fractured his right femur, and as the doctors worked to fix the issue, they discovered that the prognosis was worse than anyone had realized. The cancer in his bones had essentially made them more brittle, and he no longer is producing bone marrow. His platelet numbers have continued to drop, he is bedbound and was told he will not be able to walk again, and finally last week he was admitted to hospice care.

This is where we find ourselves today, and where my family is asking for any help you can muster. Unfortunately, his insurance will not pay for more than five days of hospice care. His hospice provider has agreed to keep him if we are able to pay out of pocket. The only other options are for him to go home - which his doctors are firmly against, especially as he cannot get out of bed - or pay double the cost out of pocket to enter a nursing home facility for his remaining time.

While we struggle to say goodbye, we are grappling with the harsh reality of an inadequate healthcare industry where profit is priority, not people. We are looking to offset some of the out of pocket costs of my father’s hospice care, and should there be any extra, to use it to facilitate the most optimal end of life and funeral arrangements we can give him.

The painful truth is that my Dad doesn’t have much time left at all. We appreciate any help you can offer - be it a contribution or a share. Thank you, from me, the family, and Dad.