Robert gets a Kidney

If you know the Bennetts, then you know Robert. A father to two incredible daughters who adore his unwavering support and the husband of a wife who he is blessed to have found. He is a man that laughs hard and probably makes you laugh harder. My family has had the honor to call them friends for several years and to be around Robert just makes you feel happy. Robert is a proud Navy veteran, a man that doesn't mind sharing his viewpoint and a guy that will support his family with all he has. Robert is a guy that will give you the shirt off his back and the last slab of ribs he smoked if it made just a fraction of your day better. Now it’s time we do the same for him.

Robert had been battling kidney failure and just received news of a transplant and not a moment too soon as health has been steadily declining for some time now. Robert will undergo surgery that will remove him from work and from home for the foreseeable future. Even knowing this was coming doesn't take away the burden that it places on their family.

Robert's health has been decreasing but his spirits have stayed high. Watching countless friends submit for the transplant lists, go through blood work, hospital visits and all the hoops you must jump to be a match led to one. His daughter, Elleana is a KU junior with a full load of her own. She is finding time to support her dad's journey and help save his life. Trying not to put the pressure on their kids, this sacrifice comes with a perfect but very quick turnaround. Next week they will both go in for surgery and after a successful transplant will need a lot of care.

Elleana will be staying with her grandparents who will provide some good TLC as she mends before going back to KU. Robert and Shalla will have to stay in KC for the week of the surgery and then 2-3 additional weeks as they make sure the transplant all goes smoothly and recovery can be supported closely. I can't imagine the strain of a mother having two people she loves go through this procedure together let alone the financial burden of trying to make sure everyone has what they need. One of the amazing things about the Bennetts is how damn close they are to each other, and they have a great support system of people who love and care.

We get to do our part now. We get to help financially ease the burden on a daughter who is attending college to recover while not working has she heals. We get to help make sure room and board is taken care of. We get to support those mornings were walking up those hills is not going to be possible in the winter so bus passes or rides will be needed. We get to help ease burdens of days where there is simply not enough energy to cook, and a nice meal brought in is the best option. Coffee for those early mornings where sleep was needed but not had. Ease burdens of a medical system that litters people with debt they pay on for the rest of their lives.

Now is the time when my wife and I ask you to sit and think how you can help. Good vibes are always appreciated. Phone calls, visits, moments of comedic relief do wonders for the soul. This post isn't about those things. This is about raising money to help a man who has done more fundraising for sports programs, delivered food to homes when others where sick and has opened his home to countless kids who have passed through their doors. I have set my goal and aim to achieve it with your help I think we can give back to a family who has blessed our lives with love, memories, friendship, and support. Help me support them now.