Bring Robert Home! Med-Evac and Treatment Fund

Who are we?

Hello! Our names are Steve Delfs and Deborah Delfs, and we are raising funds to help pay med-evac and medical expenses for our older brother, Robert Delfs.

The Diagnosis

In July of this year, Robert was stricken with a case of Dengue Fever for the third time. It was a very severe case, which left him on life support and bedridden with kidney failure, sepsis, and multiple infections. In addition, the doctors detected a non-hemorrhagic stroke; he continues to have ongoing neurological difficulties. Compounding his situation, Robert received no physical therapy during his time in the hospital and for a month afterwards and he has lost significant muscle mass and abdominal strength as a result. He still struggles to sit up and currently cannot walk.

In the early days of his illness

Who is Robert?

Our brother, Robert has lived an extraordinary life as an academic, a well-respected journalist and former bureau chief, published author, underwater photographer, consummate researcher, and environmentalist.

For the last decade, Robert worked as a Senior Associate for Starling Resources, where he developed strategies for government relations and policies, and operations for projects involving biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in marine and terrestrial sites. Robert has also helped create successful and sustainable business models for the establishment of ecotourism in various locations, such as Papua New Guinea and the Komodo National Park in Indonesia.

Robert and his stunning underwater photographs are featured in the Coral Triangle Center (an educational center to teach children about the importance of preserving coral). He has contributed to numerous print and web publications by organizations including, The Nature Conservancy, WWF, and RARE Conservation.

A sampling of Robert's underwater photography

Robert’s Needs

Due to expensive out-of-pocket surgeries to remove recent bouts of bladder cancer, Robert is essentially out of money and without assets. He requires funds for his med-evac flight (along with a med-evac nurse), in addition to medical expenses upon his arrival.

Robert no longer has an International Insurance plan to cover his medical care. While he maintained private health insurance for over 40 years, Robert was unable to afford his premiums upon turning 75, when his rates doubled. Unfortunately, his policy lapsed less than a month prior to contracting Dengue Fever.

Due to his condition, he is unable to work and is, therefore, unable to secure a new work visa in Bali, which will expire at the end of October. At this time, Robert will need to return to the US and will require special plane arrangements to accommodate his medical needs. Although, the plan is for him to stay with family, he will require immediate medical treatment upon his arrival, and ongoing observation.

Robert's first time sitting in new wheelchair with PT

Our Gratitude

We are forever indebted to his good friends and colleagues in Indonesia and around the world, who supported Robert in the early and critical days of his illness. He still has so much to give to the world, but he is in great need of your help to make it through this difficult period. Thank you for your support!