Our family never imagined we would be here, asking for help—but we are now facing a medical crisis that has completely changed our lives.

After nearly two years battling a rare and debilitating condition called Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS), Robby had already endured more than most. His journey included the placement of a GJ feeding tube, a PICC line, and repeated hospitalizations just to survive day to day. In August 2025, things took a devastating turn when he developed a severe bacterial and fungal infection that progressed into sepsis, a life-threatening bloodstream infection. This required prolonged hospital stays and months of intensive IV antibiotics, both inpatient and at home.

After months of treatment, we were told the infection had cleared. We truly believed the worst was finally behind us.

But it wasn’t.

In September, Robby began experiencing increasing pain in his chest, a visible growth, and progressive weakness and loss of function in his right arm. He sought medical care multiple times, only to be reassured that it was likely a muscle strain that would heal on its own. Wanting so badly to believe that his body was finally recovering, Robby pushed through the pain and tried to continue living his life.

By January, the pain and loss of function had become unbearable.

Advanced imaging finally revealed the heartbreaking truth: severe, widespread septic osteomyelitis of the chest wall—a deep, aggressive bone infection that had been silently spreading for months. By the time it was discovered, the damage was already extensive. Robby’s first rib had been destroyed, parts of his sternum were gone, and much of the surrounding muscle and soft tissue had been lost. What was once believed to be a simple strain was, in reality, a life-altering infection.

Robby is now hospitalized at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where his medical team has been clear and compassionate about the road ahead. To fully eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading further, he will need a complete right-sided chest wall resection, including removal of his first rib, part of his sternum, and possibly his second rib.

Over the coming months, Robby will face six to twelve major surgeries, including bone amputations, surgical debridements, possible muscle harvesting, and complex reconstructive and plastic surgeries to rebuild and stabilize his chest. His recovery will require a prolonged hospital stay in the ICU, long-term IV antibiotics, extensive physical therapy, and a long period of rehabilitation. Even in the best-case scenario, doctors have told us that Robby will likely regain only partial use of his chest and right arm and will never have the same level of mobility.

The reality is devastating: life will never return to what it once was. Robby is facing permanent physical limitations, reduced mobility and strength, and a major loss of independence that no one could have prepared for. The emotional toll has been immense, and the financial strain has quickly become overwhelming.

How Your Support Helps

We are raising funds to help cover:

* Mounting medical bills not covered by insurance

* Long-term housing in Rochester, MN during a 6+ month recovery period

* Assistive devices such as a wheelchair and adaptive equipment

* Home modifications to make daily living safe and possible

* In-home care and support services

* Travel, living expenses, and other unavoidable medical-related costs

As a family, we are doing everything we can—but we cannot do this alone.

Robby has shown incredible strength, resilience, and determination through years of pain and uncertainty. Right now, the greatest gift you can give is help, hope, and the ability for him to focus on healing without the constant fear of financial ruin.

If you are able to donate, share, or keep Robby in your thoughts and prayers, it truly means more than words can express. Thank you for standing with us during the most difficult chapter of our lives.