Hello friends and relatives! This is a very humbling thing to have to do, but I am here to ask for help which is something I'm typically not great at.

For many years, I have been diagnosed with diverticulitis. It has never caused any significant problems and I've never been on any special diet to manage it. This all changed about 2-3 years ago when I noticed a "flare up" occurring in my lower left abdomen. This flare up came in the form of a protrusion which was generally small, it would not last long, and would eventually go away on its own. About a year, the protrusions started happening with greater frequency, so I talked with my PCP. He sent me for 4 exploratory procedures which included a CT scan, an MRI, a colonoscopy, and a sigmoidoscopy. It was shown that I had a narrowing of my colon and it was determined that I should have surgery which was scheduled for January 22, 2024.

Well, a recent flare up occurred on December 15, which was painful enough that my future-surgeon recommended that I go the ER for evaluation. My pain was hitting a 10/10. I was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. On December 18, I had surgery done as I had a nearly total bowel obstruction. My surgeon and his team performed a radical colectomy and I spent a total of 10 days in the hospital.

I am now left with a ileostomy, to allow digestions to bypass my resected colon, for the next 12 weeks. I also have a drainage port at the top of my left leg and a 10" stapled incision from mid-belly to below my belly button. Mobility is challenging, I am temporarily out of work, and I am not permitted to drive. I will hopefully be having a second surgery in March to reverse the ileostomy.

My husband, Scott, has been an amazing caregiver and I also have a wonderful in-home nurse. Also, the love and support from my family and clients has been heartwarming.

Still, I need your help to help me cover the incoming, enormous medical bills, in-home care, supplies, supplements, and loss of income. Anything you are able to contribute will be beyond my appreciation.

Humbly and gratefully,

Bob