Help Re-nest the Robbins Family

Many of you know our really lovely friends, the Robbins, and may or may not know that they had a really rough few years. While Ash has been very open to us about her journey with late-stage neuro Lyme disease, Doug has always kept private stuff, private (much like Bret). Last Halloween he was diagnosed with bladder cancer but kept it quiet for months.

His official diagnosis is Urothelial Carcinoma - High grade plasmacytoid and signet ring features. This is a rare, highly aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis.

This has put Doug, Ash and their family in such a financial bind that they’ve swallowed their pride and accepted our offer to set up a GoFundMe for much needed help.

Doug’s first consultations and surgeries were in Dallas while his second one was at MD Anderson in Houston. Doug’s fifth surgery (an unexpected one) will be at UTSW this November.

With changes at Doug’s work and pain affecting his ability to travel for work, they have struggled to pay medical bills and to make ends meet for the last year. Their savings have been exhausted. Even with their previous downsizing, they can no longer afford to stay in the North Texas area and have chosen to move to Arkansas where they will be close to her family. This move will greatly decrease their cost of living, provide a quieter/simpler life, embed them in a close circle of support, and allow Doug to receive advanced treatment at UAMS (a renowned center for bladder cancer treatment).

Doug‘s condition is progressing, making it difficult for him to move heavy objects amongst other things. The unexpected surgery in November has also delayed their move, which means they are now paying for two rental houses for (at least) this month (November). The family is in desperate need of help to pay for medical bills, moving expenses and health insurance.

We’ve known Doug and Ash since we moved back to Dallas in 2004, and they’ve been magnificent and giving friends during this whole time. Anything you can contribute will go 100% to the family and is appreciated. Our hope is that it will go a long way in helping them move to this next stage of their journey. Their 3 sons have been so much help, but it’s also put such a heart wrenching burden on them. Ash and Doug just desperately want to provide a more stable environment that will allow the boys to concentrate on their future while cherishing their time together, at this time, as a family.

Thank you! ❤️