My name is Victoria Viola, and I’m starting this GoFundMe for my brother-in-law, Bobby, who is married to my sister, Susan. Together, they have three wonderful children: Leanna, Amanda, and Robert.

If you’ve had the pleasure of knowing Bobby, you know he is a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, incredibly hardworking, fun-loving, compassionate, and someone who would do anything for the people he loves. Anything I can do for Bobby and his family during this difficult time doesn’t feel like enough, because I know without a doubt he would do the same for anyone.

On June 6, Bobby and Susan, who have been married for nearly 30 years, went out to dinner like they had so many weekends before, never imagining that by the next morning their lives would change forever.

On June 7, Bobby went to the emergency room believing he was having a heart attack. After being evaluated, he was cleared and sent home with instructions to follow up with his doctor, which he did later that day. Unfortunately, no answers were found, and the pain continued.

Then, on the morning of June 10, Bobby woke up with excruciating pain in his chest and abdomen. When he got out of bed, he realized he could barely stand and was unable to walk. He was rushed back to the hospital, where, after extensive testing, doctors discovered the cause: a spinal cavernoma, a rare vascular tumor of the spinal cord. He would soon face a highly complex surgery followed by extensive rehabilitation.

Spinal cavernomas are extremely rare, affecting only about 0.4% of the population. Most remain asymptomatic and are never discovered. Tragically, Bobby’s cavernoma ruptured on June 7 and began bleeding into his spinal cord. As the bleeding continued, swelling compressed the nerves in his spinal cord, causing him to progressively lose feeling and function from his chest down leaving him paralyzed.

On June 26, Bobby underwent a three-hour angiogram. The following day, after a five-hour surgery, surgeons successfully removed the cavernoma. While the surgery was successful, only time will tell how much feeling and mobility he will regain.

Bobby is currently undergoing intensive rehabilitation at Kessler Rehabilitation Center, where he is working tirelessly every day to regain his independence for himself and for his family. His determination and strength have been nothing short of inspiring.

As Bobby continues his recovery, there will be significant expenses to prepare for his return home. Their home will need to be made ADA accessible, including ramps, wheelchair accommodations, lifts, transportation equipment, and other modifications to ensure he can live as safely and independently as possible.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward Bobby’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, and the home modifications and equipment he will need throughout his recovery.

Thank you for loving and supporting this family during such an unimaginable time. Every prayer, every share, and every donation reminds them that they are not alone on this journey. Your kindness, generosity, and support mean more than words can express.

Please consider sharing and reposting Bobby’s story to help us reach as many people as possible—your support can truly make a difference.