Rob has always lived with a heart full of empathy – the kind of person who finds joy in lifting others up, even when life gives him every reason to fall apart. But now, he’s facing a challenge that no one should face alone.

Just two months ago, he was walking a mile and a half everyday, when he suddenly collapsed and couldn’t get back up. Rob was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and bone cancer that had already begun to spread. On the very day he was supposed to begin his first round of chemo and radiation, Rob received devastating news – he had been dropped from Medicaid because his income was $50 over the eligibility limit. That meant he suddenly had no medical coverage, in the middle of fighting for his life.

Now, Rob pays $849 a month for UnitedHealthcare, which eats away most of his SSI benefits. Every dollar he gets goes straight to staying alive – rent, treatment, food, and transportation are daily struggles. He already owes $98,000 in medical bills, and he’s set to undergo many more months of treatment. He’s living dollar to dollar, yet somehow manages to keep smiling and share words of encouragement with everyone he meets.

The cancer has since progressed. Rob has endured more than most of us can imagine – losing his arm and having a titanium bone replacement from his shoulder to his wrist. Recently, cancer in his spine and legs immobilized him. He’s lost over 80 pounds from cancer, and his current home is no longer accessible to him. On top of the emotional toll, he now faces the urgent need for wheelchair-accessible housing and continued medical care.

And through it all – he remains hopeful. Rob is a godly man who finds strength in faith and gratitude, even as his world changes around him. He radiates optimism, always saying, “There’s still joy to be found.” He recently married the love of his life, and all he wants now is to spend meaningful time with his wife – to experience one last beautiful chapter filled with love, laughter, and peace.

Rob has always been the kind of person who gives more than he takes – working hard his entire life and spending his free time volunteering at Share a Meal and the Johns Hopkins Center for Terminally Ill Children. His compassion and optimism have touched countless lives. Please consider supporting Rob’s fight. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this story helps more than you know. Let’s help Rob keep smiling, keep believing, and keep living the way he always has – with grace, gratitude, and endless compassion.