**Introduction:**

My name is Meritta Sandles Robinson, and I’m reaching out with a heavy but hopeful heart to ask for your help in supporting my husband, Joseph Lee Robinson. To his family and childhood friends, he’s affectionately known as Joey. Others may know him as Rev. Robinson—a godly man who has been a gentle giant throughout our 20 years of marriage. He has always been the kind of minister who personally visited the sick and shut-in, rarely wanting others to know when he was unwell. Over the past 13 years living in the United Arab Emirates, he endured two heart surgeries and battled COVID-19 silently, refusing to share his struggles publicly until after his recovery Christmas 2022.

Now, I find myself needing to share our story because we are facing one of the toughest challenges of our lives.

On **May 31st**, Joseph was admitted to the hospital due to complications from diabetes. A few days before his scheduled release, his heart suddenly stopped—not once, but twice. Though he was revived both times, he has not regained full consciousness since the second episode.

Despite this devastating turn, there is hope. All of Joseph’s vital organs—his heart, liver, and kidneys—are functioning without machine intervention, and there is no structural damage to his brain. However, prolonged oxygen deprivation caused some brain damage, leaving him unable to breathe fully on his own. He underwent a tracheotomy to assist with breathing, and while he can manage most of the day without a ventilator, night time remains challenging.

As his wife, I took a vow to stand by him in sickness and in health. During one of our conversations in the ICU, he expressed to me—in front of the staff—that he wants to live. Days before the second cardiac arrest, he opened his eyes wide and blinked repeatedly when I told him that responding would show others he could hear us. It’s my duty, privilege, and deepest obligation to do everything I can to support his healing journey.

Unfortunately, my job situation has changed, and insurance does not cover rehabilitation or in-home care. His current condition also makes it impossible to bring him back to the U.S. While I’ve received training to care for his tracheotomy (a relatively straightforward process), there are many other needs I cannot meet alone—physically or financially.

I am seeking a minimum of **$20,000** to hire someone with medical experience to assist me while I work. This amount doesn’t include medications, lab fees, or future procedures. Thankfully, the hospital generously donated essential equipment—a medical bed, IV pole, feeding pump, suction machine, and two oxygen cylinders—but we still urgently need a ventilator. I will provide updates as additional costs arise.

I humbly ask for your support during this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign to help spread the word. Above all, please keep Joseph in your prayers.

The Bible reminds us:

- **Matthew 6:33**: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

- **Romans 8:27-28**: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

With much love and gratitude,

**Meritta and The Robinson Family**