Rob Hetrick's Medical Support Fund

Hello to our big beautiful community,

As many of you know my dad, Rob Hetrick, was recently diagnosed with late-stage Liver Cancer. Due to this diagnosis and after much prayer, my parents have jointly chosen to approach his treatment through experimental and alternative avenues which means much of his medical care is uninsured and out of pocket. The current cost of his first round of treatments is $30,000.00. 

So many of you have lovingly reached out to offer your prayers, love and, support in this time of need and asked how you can help. So we’ve set up this Go Fund Me as an easy and needed avenue to receive the help we will need to continue on this journey while alleviating some of the added financial stress often related to these situations.

 You can also donate on Venmo @Rob-Hetrick (QR code included in next post) with a note that offers whatever encouraging message you’d like to include. 

For more information and details on this journey and how we got here, please continue reading my mom’s thoughtful words below.
I’m forever grateful to this incredible community that stands as a reflection of the amazing man I know my father to be.


In love and gratatude,


Kati




From Debbi:

Six years ago Rob was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had his prostate removed. At the time his PSA numbers  (an indicator of inflammation and prostate cancer), had been at 10, prior to that surgery. This is a dangerously high number as they are supposed to be zero.

After surgery, his numbers dropped to zero and remained there for the next four years. Two years ago, his numbers slightly increased to  .2 PSA. This was concerning so a CAT scan was done but nothing showed up.
At that time Rob chose to wait and see. Then. of course. there was Covid last year and Rob did not visit the doctor. Bringing us to the present time.

When the doctor called on a Wednesday evening this past February (2021), it was obvious that she was very concerned.
The doctor told us that Rob‘s PSA numbers were 740, a number so high for a PSA she had never heard of it before. She told us how sorry she was and indicated that Rob should seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

After several visits and scans to investigate the source of the cancer it's been determined to have originated and remains in his liver and was likely the original source of his prostate cancer 6 years ago which means it has gone unchecked for quite some time now. 

After much prayer and research, we decided to not go the traditional route of medication, chemotherapy, and radiation, as we felt it would adversely affect Rob’s quality of life. We just didn’t have a peace about it. Thus begin our adventure into alternative /  experimental medicine.

Rob’s sister, Denise, has been involved in the homeopathic world for some time now. She gave us numerous suggestions for clinics and doctors and we followed up with inquiries. We immediately started a healthy lifestyle protocol including a “clean” and limited diet with specific supplements, suggested by a friend of ours in California.
Additionally, we've connected with a research  Doctor in Turkey (Dr. H) who develops specific protocols for people with cancer, based on their individual bloodwork and personal diagnosis.

We felt, based on Rob's stage of cancer, this was the best approach to treatment and one we had an overwhelming sense of peace about. 
Dr. H and his team are involved, conscientious, detailed, and caring. They took lots of tests, asked lots of questions, and were gracious hosts to Rob, my daughter Kourtney, who accompanied us on the trip, and myself. He developed a specialized treatment for Rob, and, after staying for a week, we returned to continue his protocol here at home. 


Dr. H's treatment is intense and is now pretty much, my full-time job with A LOT of help from my kids. Kourtney and Trevor even changed their “Tiny House” travel plans and purchased a house. RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET! 
This brings us to the present. We are uncertain what our future holds, but we KNOW WHO holds our future. We have been asking those that have asked, to pray for Peace and Wisdom. We have received both.

Rob and I are walking in unison with our choices and our children are supportive, even if they don’t always agree.
Currently, Rob is responding positively to this approach to treatment and has already surpassed the original timeline prognosis and continues to exceed expectations. For this reason and after prayerful consideration, we are at peace with continuing this line of medical intervention coupled with prayer and faith in what the Lord has in store for us in this season of life. 

As this is outside the realm of conventional medicine we are paying for most of this out of pocket.
Many of you have reached out to ask how you can best support us so we have started this Go Fund Me as an invitation for our community to come alongside us as we navigate this chapter of our journey.

If you feel led to give financially, we welcome the support but find equal comfort in your encouraging words and prayers. 

We are researching, praying, and keeping our peace. It is my intention to use the blog site Caring Bridge as well as this space to update all of you on our choices and Rob’s progress. 


Rob is my best friend. My only sweetheart. My most supportive ally. My BETTER half. My strongest prayer warrior. My best audience. My physical rock and the one that always points me to “The Rock”-Jesus Christ.



Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers,



-Debbi