Anyone who’s lucky enough to know our brother, Rob, can probably remember a time when he’s gone out of his way to be there for you. Perhaps you’re one of the dozens of people he’s provided a roof to in a time of need (ok 5 but..dozens sounds better ;) ). He’s as loving and committed an Uncle, Brother, Son, Friend, Boyfriend and doggy Dad anyone could strive to be. He’s always been the first person I turn to when I need help or advice and I know I’m not the only one.

 

And now, as many of you are already aware, ROB NEEDS OUR SUPPORT more than ever.

 

Rob was born with a congenital heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Over the years Rob was able to overcome a few scary situations and due to his extraordinary mental strength learned to thrive despite the uncertain nature of this disease. Thankfully, nearly 40 years went by and his condition seemed to be stable.

 

Then, unexpectedly, in the last year or so, Rob started to feel unwell. Soon he was told by his doctors that his heart was suddenly weakening. After many tests and doctors visits, it was determined that his condition would continue to deteriorate and no amount of therapy or medication could help. Ultimately, he would need a heart transplant. Rob is now on the heart transplant list as a high priority.

 

While our family is forever grateful such an amazing procedure even exists to provide hopefully excellent quality of life for Rob for many years, we are worried because the cost of such a procedure is extensive. Both from an out of pocket cost standpoint and due to unearned wages for both Rob and his longtime girlfriend, Sam Pirucki. Rob is currently too physically unwell to work as an Optometrist and has been for a few months. He will also be unable to work for at least 3-6 months after the transplant. Sam lovingly stepped in as Rob’s full time caretaker for his recovery and is required by the medical staff to be available 24 hours/day during that time--she won’t be able to work either. Between medication costs, out of pocket insurance costs, traveling back and forth to Rochester, Minnesota, lost wages and other unforeseen expenses, Rob and Sam are in a very difficult financial situation.

 

That’s why we’re starting this GoFundMe. We hope it will help Rob and our family to be able to solely focus on his health and recovery without the financial stress on top of it.

 

Thank you so much to those who have been there for Rob and will continue to be there going forward. We can’t wait for the day Rob feels better and can again focus on simply living his life and going back to work to serve his patients in a profession he loves. With a little luck and support from his friends and family, that day will come very soon.

Lastly, Rob is going to be laid up for a while so anyone who has a fun book recommendation, please share it in the comments!