Hi, my name is Ben Stokes, and I’m setting up this fundraiser for my lifelong friend, Bobby Strong. We’ve been close since we were six years old, nearly 56 years of friendship, and I’ve never seen him face something as tough as this past year has been.

In early 2024, Bobby had surgery to remove one of his kidneys due to growths that were discovered. That first procedure went well, however, a month or two later, he underwent surgery on his second kidney and unfortunately faced complications. He spent about two weeks in the hospital recovering from that operation.

Since then, Bobby has been in and out of the hospital with ongoing pain and complications from that second surgery and an unknown new growth of fluid forming. He’s been admitted multiple times for testing, fluid drainage, and treatment. Just two weeks ago, he was readmitted to Memorial Hospital in the San Antonio Medical Center. He’s now undergoing multiple antibiotic treatments through a pick line in his body as doctors work to identify and treat this persistent infection.

Because of this, Bobby has been placed on medical leave from work, possibly permanent. Once released from the hospital, he’ll begin home care to continue his antibiotic treatments.

This past year has brought a heavy emotional and financial toll on Bobby and his family. With large medical bills and uncertainty about his ability to return to work, they are facing an incredibly difficult time.

Anything that his friends, loved ones, or community members can find in their hearts to help him is deeply appreciated. Bobby has always been the kind of person who shows up for others, and now it’s our turn to show up for him.

Thank you so much for your support.