Beloved Rodney Roberts — husband, father, friend, and true stranger to no one — is currently in the fight of his life.

On Thursday afternoon, Rodney began experiencing intense chest pains. He was rushed to the ER by ambulance, where doctors discovered a life-threatening aortic aneurysm and dissection. Due to the severity of his condition, he had to be life-flighted to Austin for emergency surgery. He underwent a 10+ hour operation that night, to then return to the operating room for another major surgery due to blood flow blockage. He was on ECMO during his open-heart surgery, a machine that allows his heart to rest, as well as on dialysis to give his kidneys a break. He will remain in the hospital for at least two more weeks before transitioning to a medical rehab facility. His recovery ahead will be long and uncertain.

Rodney will be out of work for several months, and the mounting medical bills, combined with travel and living expenses, will certainly be taking a toll on his loving wife, Karen Roberts. Karen is making the long commute back and forth to Austin to be by his side, all while holding their household together through this unimaginable time.

This year is to be a celebration of love and endurance — Rodney and Karen are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Instead, currently they are walking through one of life’s toughest storms. But they are not walking alone.

If you know Rodney, you know how much joy, kindness, and generosity he brings into the world. He is the kind of person who makes everyone feel like family. Now, it’s our turn to show up for him and his loved ones in a big way.

We are asking for your help — whether it’s through a financial donation, a prayer, or simply sharing this fundraiser with others. Every bit of support makes a difference. Let’s surround Rodney and his family with the same love they’ve given to so many others.

With all our gratitude and hope,

Loving friends of the Rodney and the Roberts family