Help Rusty with his Medical Journey

There is no delicate way to say this. Rusty is sick, and we need your help.

It started a couple years ago, when Russ was not feeling well, and couldn’t pin what exactly was going on. He had a few different issues where the symptoms were treated, but they could not figure out what was the root cause was. Then in September, Rusty lost consciousness and had a serious cardiac episode. He was admitted to the hospital, and they had started a battery of tests to figure out why. As you all know, Rusty is still built like a guy in his 20’s and is as active as ever. It wasn’t a “lifestyle issue”. After two months of seeing specialists, a kidney, bone marrow and fat pad biopsy, multiple MRI’s and CT scans the doctors have concluded that he has a rare disease call AL Amyloidosis. There are several types, however this type is unfortunately incurable. The only known treatments are an aggressive regime of chemotherapy and stem cell therapy to slow things down a little.

You can see a bit more here - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyloidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353178

Rusty was rushed to emergency again on Nov.11 after blacking out while driving with yet another cardiac episode, so he is now unable to drive. He must be constantly monitored and is unable to work. His heart is damaged and has arrythmia, he must sleep upright and needs to limit movement.

His spirits are high and drawing strength from the outpouring of love from his friends and family. Rusty is a tough guy and mentally equipped to deal with the tough road ahead of him. It is the love of his 3 children Alex, Kody & Katie, stepdaughters Chelsea & Avie their mutual partners and the grandbabies Emma, Finn, Wrenlee, and Cassien that he adores that will get him up fighting every morning. He is also unbelievably lucky to have the support of his siblings Carrie (Brent), Barbi (Terry), Frank, Misti, and Dori (Eron), He is a fighter just like his Dad Frank “Red” and with the love and support from his Mom the tiny but mighty Barb, we know he will be surrounded by everyone and all things that make him smile during this time.

Rusty is starting chemotherapy right away in Kamloops, and most likely will be moved to Kelowna as it intensifies. He will also be seeing a doctor in Vancouver who specializes in this disease.

Right now, the most important thing is for Russ to be able to focus on this health journey, and to spend his time with his closest loved ones while he is going through treatments. Holding nothing back, this diagnosis will be what ends his life, but we all are a part of supporting him to live as long and happy as humanly possible. We will be looking for all the treatment options here in Canada, and perhaps the US if the technology is more promising abroad.

How this GoFundMe will be used to Help Rusty

The intention with this GoFundMe is not to raise money for one specific treatment, but to support Rusty through treatments and as he explores every available option. With Russ being totally unable to work to support himself, and having no life partner to lean on, we have to pool our resources to make sure that he has his basic needs covered. Rusty has been staying between family members for the time being, but it is imperative we assist in getting him a space of his own to heal and help him recuperate between treatments. He needs to pay for the travel for treatments, his food, his rent, and necessities. His children and siblings are there to help however they simply can’t bear the full financial pressure to support these costs through this entire journey. We are trying our best to remove as many of the financial barriers as we can to keep him healthy and give him a chance to just worry about being a Dad, Grandpa, Son, and Brother to the ones he loves.

Rusty is fiercely independent and would be the very first to give you the shirt off his back but he is not comfortable asking anything from anyone. He would never do that. It is also immensely difficult for his immediate family to ask for support, so we (Robbie and DeeDee – his cousins), are taking the lead on his behalf. We have his blessing to help raise some funds for his journey. There are going to be a lot of costs involved, and Russ understands that after all these years of giving to others, that he has to let us give back to him.

There is not a guy in this world that we know that has a bigger heart than Russ. He is the first one many of you have called when you have needed a hand. He is the guy that has helped you move, when you have needed a ride, that has helped with home renovations, anything, anytime…he has always been there. Russ also worked as a care aid for two quadriplegic men who sustained injuries, giving them the support and dignity, they deserved. Now is the time that we can show our love and support back to him.

We know many of you have asked what you can do to help. We know that sending flowers, or other thoughtful gifts would definitely lift his spirits, however with this long and difficult journey ahead, if you do feel compelled to help with a donation it would be so appreciated. Big or small, your support matters immensely.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please keep sending your positive thoughts and healing vibrations out to Russ, he appreciates them greatly. Facebook is a great way to catch up with him if you have lost touch recently.

We will keep updating you on Rusty’s journey through this page.

Thank you.

Robbie & DeeDee