PLEASE HELP ROB WHITELAW'S RECOVERY
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Mike Harvey is organizing this Go Fund Me account on behalf of his friend, Rob Whitelaw and Rob’s wife, Lissa.
Written by a friend ....
“One day someone is going to hug you so tight, all your broken pieces will go back together” – Author Unknown. Lissa met that “someone” 16 years ago and that someone is Rob Whitelaw – a man of strength and integrity who has been her best friend, soulmate and husband for the past 14 years. The following is their story of heartache and hope…
Rob and Lissa’s roller coaster journey through the medical system began in September 2019 when Rob started to feel unwell. After several trips to the emergency department and medical doctor, Rob was finally admitted to Grand River Hospital on November 7th and had his first surgery on November 14th to address concerns of diverticulitis, appendicitis and a blocked bowel. His body went septic by November 16th, and, as a result, he was placed on life support and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Two emergency surgeries followed on November 17th and November 23rd due to life threatening complications. To date, Rob remains in ICU on life support and in a medically induced coma. On any given day, Rob’s compassionate and expert medical team deals with multiple challenges including his low blood pressure, erratic heartbeat, non-functioning kidneys and dialysis, blood transfusions, inability to breath on his own, lack of nutrients to his body, and wound infection. Despite small improvements, Lissa has felt completely overwhelmed and helpless watching her husband fight for his life. She has often said, “It’s like living, breathing and watching a nightmare unfold and not knowing when it’s ever going to end”.
Lissa’s one comfort is knowing God is in control. For reasons we may never fully understand, God has placed Rob and Lissa on this roller coaster path together. Lissa fully believes God isn’t finished with Rob yet, and, as a result, she completely trusts in His healing. Although medical staff have told Lissa to expect a long and difficult recovery, she remains assured that Rob is still in God’s care. We all know Rob is a fighter, but it’s almost certain he will require months of physiotherapy, personal care support, housing renovations to address his mobility needs, and other medical supplies during his future rehabilitation.
Rob has been off work since mid-September, and his short-term disability benefits end in March 2020 with no long-term benefits to follow to cover his needs. Although Lissa has been fortunate to take time off work to be at Rob’s bedside, this has also resulted in a second loss of income during their time of need. Family, friends, co-workers and church members have continued to provide much needed emotional support and prayer; however, should you also choose to financially contribute any amount to Rob’s recovery, please know that the funds will be used wisely to facilitate his healing journey.
On behalf of Rob and Lissa, thank you so very much for not only your continued love, support and prayers but also your gift of financial support for Rob’s recovery and rehabilitation. Lissa knows she and Rob are blessed, and she can’t wait until they can hug one another again so their “broken pieces will go back together”.
Praying for a Christmas miracle!
Written by a friend ....
“One day someone is going to hug you so tight, all your broken pieces will go back together” – Author Unknown. Lissa met that “someone” 16 years ago and that someone is Rob Whitelaw – a man of strength and integrity who has been her best friend, soulmate and husband for the past 14 years. The following is their story of heartache and hope…
Rob and Lissa’s roller coaster journey through the medical system began in September 2019 when Rob started to feel unwell. After several trips to the emergency department and medical doctor, Rob was finally admitted to Grand River Hospital on November 7th and had his first surgery on November 14th to address concerns of diverticulitis, appendicitis and a blocked bowel. His body went septic by November 16th, and, as a result, he was placed on life support and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Two emergency surgeries followed on November 17th and November 23rd due to life threatening complications. To date, Rob remains in ICU on life support and in a medically induced coma. On any given day, Rob’s compassionate and expert medical team deals with multiple challenges including his low blood pressure, erratic heartbeat, non-functioning kidneys and dialysis, blood transfusions, inability to breath on his own, lack of nutrients to his body, and wound infection. Despite small improvements, Lissa has felt completely overwhelmed and helpless watching her husband fight for his life. She has often said, “It’s like living, breathing and watching a nightmare unfold and not knowing when it’s ever going to end”.
Lissa’s one comfort is knowing God is in control. For reasons we may never fully understand, God has placed Rob and Lissa on this roller coaster path together. Lissa fully believes God isn’t finished with Rob yet, and, as a result, she completely trusts in His healing. Although medical staff have told Lissa to expect a long and difficult recovery, she remains assured that Rob is still in God’s care. We all know Rob is a fighter, but it’s almost certain he will require months of physiotherapy, personal care support, housing renovations to address his mobility needs, and other medical supplies during his future rehabilitation.
Rob has been off work since mid-September, and his short-term disability benefits end in March 2020 with no long-term benefits to follow to cover his needs. Although Lissa has been fortunate to take time off work to be at Rob’s bedside, this has also resulted in a second loss of income during their time of need. Family, friends, co-workers and church members have continued to provide much needed emotional support and prayer; however, should you also choose to financially contribute any amount to Rob’s recovery, please know that the funds will be used wisely to facilitate his healing journey.
On behalf of Rob and Lissa, thank you so very much for not only your continued love, support and prayers but also your gift of financial support for Rob’s recovery and rehabilitation. Lissa knows she and Rob are blessed, and she can’t wait until they can hug one another again so their “broken pieces will go back together”.
Praying for a Christmas miracle!
Organizer and beneficiary
Harv- Mike Harvey
Organizer
Cambridge, ON
Lissa Whitelaw
Beneficiary