Bobby Joe’s Road to Recovery
Donation protected
Everyone who knows Bobby knows that he would give anyone, (a stranger or a friend), the shirt off his back. He probably actually has. He is a selfless, loving, kind husband, father, and friend. I have known this “kid” for almost 20 years and since day 1, I have always tried to protect him and look out for him as if he were my little brother. Sometimes we’d fight and sometimes we’d hug, and no matter what, we’d always be family.
At the beginning of September he had a seizure that landed him in the E.R. As scary as that was, the seizure turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The follow up imaging revealed a large brain tumor. Three weeks later, he underwent brain surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital to remove the tumor: a very risky procedure that could have resulted in a stroke and the partial or total loss of motor function, speech, vision or memory. We are BEYOND fortunate the surgery was successful, and he woke up fully functional and without any side effects.
He has been diagnosed with Grade 2 Oligodendroglioma Brain Cancer. A portion of the tumor has been removed through the surgery; however, they are hoping a year of chemotherapy will help to shrink the remainder, and of course, many many doctors appointments and scans to make sure there is no change in growth.
Since the beginning of this tragedy, both Bobby and Bridgette have been showered with endless amounts of love and support from family and close friends. Although this has been a difficult journey thus far and the prospect of a year of Chemo is scary, the kindness and support, texts/emails/calls that they have received make it less daunting.
With that being said, Bobby will not be able to return to work for quite some time, and Bridgette will be taking time off to care for Bobby and also to drive him to and from appointments. Even with the best health insurance, copays and medications add up, along with driving downtown and parking.
Anything that is contributed to Bobby Joe and Bridgette will be used to pay medical expenses, (both current and future as he has a long road to recovery ahead of him), and help with other bills that are starting to accumulate due to this unexpected circumstance.
Thank you to everyone who has kept The Rinaldo’s in their thoughts and prayers — don’t stop now!
Fundraising team: Team Bobby Joe (3)
Liz Klarner
Organizer
Chicago, IL
Bobby Joe Rinaldo
Beneficiary
Carolyn Kiesner
Team member
