Medical Expenses For Bill Durham

Hi everyone, my name is Sarah. I am raising funds for the Durham family to help with medical and incidental expenses related to Bill's sudden diagnosis of leukemia and the related complications.

Last week Bill became seriously ill and was rushed into emergency surgery to remove a ruptured spleen. It was soon found he had an aggressive and fast moving leukemia that was causing a number of his internal systems to fail. Because his needs are so great he has been transported to a larger hospital, but he is now further away from his home with Robyn, his son's, daughter in law, grandson, and foster son.

If you don't know Robyn and Bill you are missing out. Bill is a veteran who has built a career as a special education teacher, a passionate wrestling coach, and a life long learner. Robyn now works for the speech program at the local school district, ran a in home preschool for 20 plus years and is currently working towards her own degree in special education. They have been foster parents for most of their marriage, active in the church and community. A little over a year ago the whole family moved from their lifelong homes in California to Texas, a dream of Bills.

I first met Bill and Robyn 15 years ago when Robyn was hiring an assistant for her in home preschool. My final interview was pizza and meeting the rest of their family. I don't remember much but I remember sitting around the table taking with Bill and thinking how nice and accepting he was. For the next 13 years they continued to invite me into their home and they welcomed me into their family. And Bill and I continued having our chats, most of them longer than short. 

For 13 years, 5 days a week, 8 hours a day I had a first hand look at all the ways they have helped others. The majority I never would have known about if it wasn't for how much time I spent with them. They don't talk about the ways they help, they just do it for the sake of helping. In the most literal aspect they have saved lives through their generosity of time, money, and support.

Over those years I witnessed them open their doors to countless people; from continuously having 6 foster teens at a time, daycare children, friends, and their family, giving those who need a home a soft pace to land. Their hearts never closed when they saw help was needed. The ways they helped me over the years is too long to list but ranges from as small as morning coffees, to as big as cosigning on a rental, and to as thoughtful as paying for my dogs cremation, something I wasn't supposed to know about but the receptionist let it slip. I can guarantee my story and experiences with this family are not unique.

The road Bill and his family are on is daunting. His family is surrounding him with love and I'm hoping we can rally to help them keep the focus where it belongs and to relieve some of the financial pressure this is placing on them. The funds will go directly to Bill and Robyn to help cover travel, missed work, medical expenses, incidentals.

If you would like help through an app or to send a card please send me a message and I will relay those details.