Hello everyone, my name is Robin Hickox. I'm doing this fundraiser on behalf of myself and my husband John. In February of 2023, John began having issues that we hoped were kidney stones. We were both working as Construction Safety Professionals and we were working through a staffing agency, so we didn't have insurance. We've always been there for the people we loved and even people we have never even met. We finished the job we were on and had to deal with the death of his mother. Eventually, we came home and he went to the doctor. We found out that he had bladder cancer and that it was highly aggressive and invasive. We went to a primary care doctor who sent us to Advanced Urology Institute in Panama City. We had many scans and tests which led us to the options.

Our options were to have Chemotherapy and Radiation then have a complete removal of his bladder and surrounding affected areas but because we were paying out of pocket, most of those options were taken off the table for us. We struggled and sacrificed, putting large amounts on our credit cards and just did the radical cystectomy to remove the known cancer. We opted to have the surgery ASAP and the first available was December 21st, 2023. We hoped that got all the cancer. We left the hospital the day after Christmas. After healing from the surgery, we both returned to work for the same company but this time we traded over to the Employer and got insurance. On April 18th, 2024 we had the first PET Scan and bloodwork after the surgery and found a few spots that showed the cancer was Metastatic. Dr. Hitt at Advanced Urology sent us over to the Oncologist where we got news of Stage 4 Metastatic Bladder Cancer with 6 months to live without treatment. Again, we go from one Doctor to another, scan after scan, bloodwork after bloodwork and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Days began to feel like years waiting on availability and results. Coordinating appointments with numerous doctors and praying for good news. We had to take a medical leave from work so we could be available for tests and procedures leading up to his actual treatment. Credit card bills from the previous surgery, household bills and now paying for our health insurance while on medical leave from our employer. It is all just too much for us at this time. We got the short and long term disability insurance but it won't cover for his pre-existing condition. Out-of-pocket with the insurance is $6000. The previous surgeries and procedures were over $70,000. We both have so much pride that it is almost impossible for us to ask for help. But like it says in the Word of God, Pride cometh before destruction. I know and believe that God will make a way for us. If anyone feels led to help us out so that we can focus on getting him the treatments he needs. There is no cure, only a chance to prolong his life. We truly appreciate your help. Funds will go to pay off credit cards used for medical expenses & co-pay for insurance. It will help keep the premiums paid on his health insurance $500 a month. It will keep rent & lights going until I can return to work.

Last day of radiation. Now the chemo/ immunotherapy begins.