Bucks for Bob

My brother Robert Rutherford Hetherington Jr. has been known by many names over the course of his almost 60 years. He was first named after our father being the only son born into our family from London, England. We all had nicknames growing up and back then he was lovingly known as sucky thumb - for obvious reasons.
Since then he has gone by Robbie, Robert, Rob, Bob, "English" Bob, Bob Depot (because he has every tool/bolt/screw/washer anyone ever needs :)
Tammy's husband, dad and his very favorite name being that of Grandpa! (2 of 7 claimed)


Robert is a quiet, reserved,  stiff upper lip Englishman who doesn't complain and just gets the job done with a (the biggest) smile! He has a wicked sense of humor and is very quick with a comeback. He is the kind of person who would do anything for anyone (and has done many times) and as the saying goes would "give you the shirt off his back" if neccesary. He always looked out for me as his only younger sister and now its come time to return the favour! So here goes:

After much proding, poking, Dr. visits, biopsies and tests Robert was diagnosed on May 8th with not one but two forms of cancer:
Non-Hodgkins Follicular Lymphoma - stage IV-A
Renal Cell Carcinoma - stage III

We feel blessed to live in the vicinity of the world renowned Huntsman Cancer Institute. 
From the first phone call Tammy made to them, they have crossed every t and dotted every i to make sure Robert has the best care and treament he could possibly need. We have every confidence in both his lymphoma specialist Martha Glenn, MD and his kidney specialist  William Lowrance, MD, MPH and their respective teams.

Robert has already started his regimen of lymphoma treatments beginning with an 8-hour IV infusion of the immunotheraphy drug Retuximab, Friday May 11th. He will have subsequent infusions every week for 4-weeks, when he will have 2-weeks off for good behaviour. He will then undergo a left robotic partial nephrectomy to remove the tumor protruding from his left kidney. 

We felt priviledged to participate in a family fast recently and have felt the thoughts and prayers of so many in behalf of Robert, Tammy and their family as they go through this journey. We know they are being blessed immensly and it is manifest through many blessings, some of which are:
1. Treatment is available locally for both of these types of cancer.
2. The doctors are positive and confident in their approach.
3. Our whole family is receiving peace and comfort through the spirit.
4. Robert and Tammy are receiving love and support at every turn. 

All of these treatments will be expensive and understandably Robert will need to take extended time off work for the kidney surgery required in June.
This is where we, his friends and family, can do much to relieve the burden that comes from high medical bills as well as the neccessities of life when ones major income source is disrupted. We can give them a sense of support in knowing they can meet their obligations.
We appreciate any donations and please take a moment to let them know how much they are loved! 

We will continue to look to Heavenly Father and have faith and trust in His plan for all of us!

With much gratitude and many thanks!