Help Rob Live with Dignity & Independence

Help Rob Live with Dignity & Independence

We never think it will happen to us—until it does.

My husband, Rob, has Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS)—a slow, relentless disease that has stolen his mobility, his independence, and, at times, his dignity. He was once a thriving tax director, a dedicated single dad, and a man making plans for a retirement that should have been decades away. Now, at just 54, he can no longer transfer from his bed, use the bathroom without help, or get into a car without a difficult, exhausting struggle.

Rob and I found each other after we had both been widowed. We know what it means to lose someone too soon. We also know what it means to fight for every precious day together. Now, we’re fighting again—this time, for Rob’s safety, dignity, and ability to live as fully as possible for as long as possible.

We have fought every step of the way to get him the care he needs, but the system is stacked against people like us—those who don’t qualify for government assistance but also don’t have the financial resources to cover the crushing costs of long-term caregiving.

I am asking for help. Not because we want charity, but because we have exhausted every other option.

What Rob Needs

Right now, our biggest barriers to his safety and dignity are basic necessities most of us take for granted—getting in and out of bed, using the bathroom, traveling to doctor’s appointments, and receiving the daily care he needs.

A Bathroom Remodel – $15,000 (I had it at $30,000 but just found the quote from a year ago and it was half of what both of us remembered. So...with donations so far we're almost halfway there!)

Getting to the toilet and shower is dangerous and exhausting. We need to remodel our bathroom into a roll-in “wet room” with:

✔️ A zero-barrier shower he can roll into

✔️ A toilet that allows safe transfers

✔️ Space for a caregiver to assist when necessary

A Wheelchair Van – $80,000

Transfers in and out of a regular car are painful, risky, and getting harder every day. A wheelchair-accessible van will allow Rob to:

✔️ Drive his power wheelchair straight inside

✔️ Minimize dangerous, exhausting transfers

✔️ Maintain mobility and independence

A Sit-to-Stand Wheelchair – $23,000+

This specialized wheelchair will allow Rob to go from sitting to standing, giving him:

✔️ Greater freedom in daily tasks

✔️ The ability to shift his weight and reduce pressure sores

A Sit-to-Stand Bed – $2,000

Right now, Rob can’t get in and out of bed on his own. This bed will:

✔️ Help him sit up safely

✔️ Reduce the strain on caregivers

Ongoing Caregiver Support – $1,500/month

With our three sons moving out soon, I will be Rob’s only caregiver. I already suffer from chronic back pain and herniated discs, making full-time care unsustainable alone. Professional help will ensure:

✔️ Rob is safe every day

✔️ I can continue to work as well as take care of my own health safely

Why We’re Asking for Help

For the past 10 years, Rob has been on a fixed disability income after being forced to leave work. I have fought for every single resource available—and the truth is, there just isn’t enough support for people like us. Medicaid and Medicare have denied essential needs, and private insurance won’t cover the modifications that would actually allow Rob to live safely and with dignity.

We also don’t have willing/able family to step in and help. That means caregiving, advocacy, and financial support for our household falls on me. And while I am determined to provide for our family, I also need to keep working to cover our basic living expenses. Without additional help, it is impossible to be both a full-time caregiver and a provider.

We are not giving up, but we cannot do this alone.

If you are able to donate, every single dollar will go directly toward these life-changing needs. If you can’t give, please share this fundraiser with others who might be able to help.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for showing up for us. This is difficult to put out there when we know SO MANY people are struggling in SO MANY different ways. But, we know you'd want to know we need this help. And your support means more than words can say.