Main fundraiser photo

Tall Bob Ellis Needs Us!



We love tall Bob!

Our dear friend Bob Ellis is overrun by an aggressive cancer that has migrated into his back.

Bob went to Bristol Regional Medical on Monday, August 14 to discuss test results from the previous week. He was admitted that day and underwent a myriad of tests and scans. Tuesday, August 15 he got the diagnosis and underwent several hours of surgery that day.

Until there are further results, we do not yet know the specific name of the Beast he is facing. But we do know this: Bob will have to undergo chemo and/or radiation right away to fight this, in addition to intensive physical therapy. Bob went from a cane to a walker to a wheelchair in a very short time.  The increasingly intense back pain leading up to his diagnosis has resulted in loss of work for two months. And like so many others in this community and in this nation who are self-employed, Bob does not have adequate health insurance.  He will remain in a wheelchair for the foreseeable future and must undergo treatment as soon as possible.

Bob remains his witty, amazing self and is looking at the future with optimism and resilience.  As his friends we resent this situation. It's particularly hard for someone like Bob, who gives so much for his community, to need to ask for help.  

But helping in situations like these is why we are a strong community. 

Bob is modest and will not ask for help. That's why as his friends we must come together.  Our friend needs our help. Now.

Bob volunteers so much of his time and energy to this community, from his volunteering with Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum to his work with Crossroads Medical Mission – and the many other things he is a part of and where he contributes and helps others. Therefore, we are raising money to help Bob with personal and care-related expenses that are a direct result of the loss of work and the medical situation that he is in.

Let's be candid: Bob needs as much as we can muster as a community, and because we know Bob so well, we know that anything above what is needed directly for expenses will go back into the community he loves. Please give freely as you are able, and please know that gifts of the spirit are equally valuable and appreciated. If you would like to send a card, please send to Bob Ellis, In Care Of the Birthplace of Country Music, P.O. Box 1927, Bristol VA 24203.  We will make sure Bob receives all cards regardless of whether he is in the hospital or at home. 

Help us to Honor Bob's friendship and sense of community by helping him in this challenging time.

Please share this Go Fund Me with others who know and care about Bob.

Sincerely,
Just TWO of Bob's Many Friends

Val Lyle, Sculptor and Artist at ArtNow LLC
Jessica Turner, Director, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
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Donations 

  • Dan and Lynn Manweiler
    • $25 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Jessica Anderson Turner
Organizer
Bristol, VA
Robert Ellis
Beneficiary

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