The odds of finding a precious gem on a sandy beach are about a bazillion to 1, but that's just what I did 40 years ago when I met my husband, Bob, on the beach in San Francisco. Since then, Bob has been my rock. Together, we have weathered every storm and dodged every curve ball life has thrown our way. I cant imagine life without my best friend. I would like to give back to my husband for all he has done for our family over the years and provide him some much needed rest and time to heal after all he has been through.

The backstory

In 2006, at age 46, Bob had heart failure and was diagnosed with Congestive Heat Disease. By 2009, his heart was functioning at 26%. Even with proper diet, exercise, and medication, his heart continued to deteriorate and the only thing protecting him from sudden death, somewhat, was his defibulator. Come to find out, during a routine doctor visit, his defibulator was not even functioning and another had to be implanted. I spent many sleepless nights watching him sleep, making sure he was breathing, and tried hard not to let him see my fear.

By 2015, Bob was forced into retirement. His arrhythmias became more frequent. There are 3 incidents that stand out in my mind. The first is when Bob dropped while out on a walking trail with our dog. The second is when he blacked out behind the wheel of his car and hit an electric pole. The 3rd, is one I will never forget. We went to the ER for an unrelated reason. While there, Bob had 5 arrhythmias in a row. It was the first time I had ever witnessed it. It was both scary and heartbreaking to watch.

In 2016, Bob experienced Amioderone toxicity. His heart rate could not be controlled without removing his thyroid. It became to dangerous for Bob to live outside of the hospital, so in September 2016, he was admitted to Stanford, where he would remain until a heart was found.

On November 10, 2016, Bob received an 18 year old heart. We are forever grateful for such a generous gift. Bob was able to be home to welcome our 3rd grandchild.

Over the next 2 years, Bob experienced heart rejection, was hospitalized a few times, but his heart was damaged and now functioning at 36%.

On Christmas 2018, while at home with family, Bob complained of some pain in his left side and back. He thought he pulled a muscle, but thought he'd better go to ER to have it checked out. A ct scan revealed a large mass on his kidney. In January 2019, a biopsy confirmed Chromephobe Renal Cell Carcinoma. The mass was as large as his kidney. This month, Bob's kidney was removed. Since Bob takes a lot of medication, living with one kidney will be a challenge and since his immune system is suppressed, the recurrence of cancer is a huge concern.

At some point, Bob will have to start dialisys. This will keep us close to home and will take a lot out of Bob. It has been one thing after another. He is tired.

It has taken me a couple weeks to finish this campaign because I'm just not used to asking for anything, but Bob is such a good person and deserves a break. So here I am, humbly asking for your help. Any donation, no matter how small, would be so appreciated. The money would be used to fund a 2 week vacation for Bob. I am looking for something quiet and peaceful, a cabin on a lake, where my best friend can heal and rest, where he can get away from the stress and prepare for whatever the future has in store.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for considering a donation and I promise to keep you all updated on how your donation was used.