While I have donated to, shared and read so many stories on GoFundMe I never thought our family would be in the position to be creating an account. For those of you who know Bobby (Robert, Bob, Bob Lee, Booby, Bobby Wasabi) you know nothing but ridiculously long reenactment stories, a generous kind-hearted person, and a man of faith. Bobby and his partner, Jamie, have spent the last three years living the camper life to pay off all of their debt so they could purchase their dream home. On September 26th, 2021 they received the keys to their home and began moving. While the three years seemed to never end for them it was all worth it to have their dreams coming true.

On September 27th, 2021 while finishing up unpacking Bobby experienced an episode. These episodes had been going on for a while now, but seemed to be getting worse and more frequent. Jamie took Bobby to the emergency room where he was then life-lined from Martinsville to Indianapolis. Bobby has been diagnosed, after several years of visiting specialists to no avail, with hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is a genetic disease that there is no cure for. It causes iron build up within the body, and the iron pools inside the organs causing damage. During his stay at the hospital there were many ups and downs, but he was eventually released on October 14, 2021. Bobby was sent home with a vest that would shock his heart in the event he went into tachycardia or any other abnormal rhythm to stabilize him until paramedics could arrive.

As time went on Bobby did not feel as if he was getting better; rather he felt he was getting worse. On October 25, 2021 Bobby was having difficulty breathing and went back to the Mooresville Emergency Room. From there Bobby was, again, life-lined to Indianapolis.

Upon his arrival to the Cardiac ICU, the doctors informed Bobby that his heart is enlarged, he has fluid build up around his heart and lungs and his body is now holding on to too much ammonia. This is all quickly impacting his already damaged heart. As of today, Bobby has a heart functioning at 19%, cirrhosis of the liver, and other unknown effects due to this disease.

Jamie is currently working on appealing a denial of medication that would assist in eliminating the iron from his body as it is $38,000.00 out of pocket per month. We pray that this appeal is approved as the doctors are not able to take much blood at a time for fear his heart will stop.

First and foremost, we ask that you pray for Bobby, the doctors and nurses caring for him and our family during these uncertain times.

As you can imagine, their medical bills are quickly adding up. With just having purchased a new home, the cost of gas back and forth to the hospital and the cost of everyday living we want to ensure Bobby and Jamie are able to focus on Bobby’s health rather than the stress of everyday life. We are profoundly grateful for any donation you are able to give, all of the prayers and comforting words and sharing Bobby’s story.