Timely Blessings for Dave & His Darlin' Girls
Donation protected
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me... Matthew 25:35-36
The Purpose of Reynolds Family Go Fund Me Initiative
My name is Kellie Hart, I've been a family friend of the Reynolds since a family mission trip to Jamaica in 2014. After observing several family and time sensitive needs, I recently asked Dave, Robin & Haley's permission to share part of their testimony, journey, and support needs on this page. This will facilitate greater awareness for those who love them, wish to lift them up in prayer, bless them in a specific ways, and walk with them during the next very precious months. I, myself, have never been a part of Go Fund Me process and feel very protective of their privacy. It is so difficult to be vulnerable, yet it's how God intends for us to connect, carry one another's burdens, and share our spiritual gifts... which is hard to do when we keep to ourselves or hide in the grind of daily life, fear or our own self doubt. So, it's my heart's intent to LOVE the Reynolds by helping share their beautiful testimony, faith filled walk with the Lord, and how they are deeply trying to be intentional when the days they have left together are literally numbered and the reality of those days are also filled with and compete with long work hours, medical appt. / bills, and the physical ailments of this world that do not simply dissipate in order for them to embrace each day with ease, carefree peace, and cleared calendars. Dave, Robin, and Haley are filled with His hope, peace, and love and their focused prayer is the testimony of the Reynold's Family glorifies God for all to see.
From my humble viewpoint, it is clear to witness how Dave and Robin have been blessed throughout their lives. They are an example to me as Christians and, Robin, as a godly wife. Yet, as someone who continues to walk with them closely through the inevitable heaviness and pain of their journey... my solemn prayer is the heavens open up because of the love and sacrificial support from the community which surrounds them; showers their remaining days together with such abundance - that every single person who reads their testimony is lighter and blessed because of it! While we can never pay someone back for an act of kindness, blessing, or generosity... we are called to pay it or pass it forward! As you read more about the Reynold's testimony, private circumstances and personal ways and specific opportunities to support them... I pray any heaviness, adversity, illness or heartache you're experiencing in this world... is somehow made lighter by God's beautiful grace and healing, in part, because of the love you have shown the Reynold's Family!
with gratitude,
Kellie
Administration Note: While Go Fund Me is new to me, I will do my best to track activities/ purchases/items in a spreadsheet with estimated and actual amounts. In addition, each individual who donates will be listed within the Go Fund Me site. In full disclosure, a frustrating byproduct of having SLE Lupus is up and down days w lethargy, migraines, and overall health. Yet, this isn't about me, I am surrounded by many wonderful women who will be there for me and Robin... and God has called us to be His hands and feet in this human and imperfect to LOVE!
The Reynold's Beautiful Testimony...
When Robin and I started talking about all the memories that keep her company... she tearfully reflected on how good God has and continues to be so very good to her precious family. Her and Dave were introduced to each other the Thursday before Derby in 1988 and were married June 24th that same year! She praises God for bringing such a godly man who would end up loving her so unconditionally for whom He created her to be. Married for more than 31 years - God has transformed them from Christ Fans to Christ Followers.
Dave's Journey with Cancer & Health Prognosis
During Dave's recent health journey, he has endured two bouts with Kidney Cancer. Then earlier in 2019, he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and completed 41 difficult radiation treatments. Thankful to have survived the many complications of the voluminous # of radiation treatments, both Dave and Robin were eager to get the post treatment CT Scan on September 24th behind them. Unfortunately, that scan and subsequent testing/procedures uncovered an underlying, inoperable, and specific form of Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma. A heartbreaking diagnosis, for which there is no cure.
Prior to this past Thanksgiving, Dave's team of physicians informed both he and Robin the prognosis was "maybe a year." Chemotherapy could add a few months to Dave's life, yet he was particularly vulnerable to chemo due to past treatment on his Kidneys. So, they had a great deal to process and be prayerful about over the Thanksgiving holidays and prior to meeting back with his doctors. During Dave's follow up appointment just two short weeks later, his physicians emphasized the Mesothelioma had already spread to his abdomen and then somberly informed Dave and Robin that Dave's new prognosis and timeline had definitively changed from an estimated 1 year to "approximately 6 months".
It was less than two weeks before Christmas. They were so distraught themselves and couldn't bare to tell Haley, who had already been sharing her plan to save her own money for a family Disney trip the next summer. After praying for discernment, guidance, and the peace only our Heavenly Father could put in his heart, Dave chose to focus on the quality of each day he had vs trying to negotiate the number of his days. They were able to sit-down with Haley and talk through the new timeline. As we are all reminded many times...tomorrow is not promised and God directs us to live as though each day may be our last. However, it is a humble feat to stay this centered until that final hourglass becomes a reality... and it has for Dave. That hourglass was even switched out on him in a matter of two weeks. And so they adjusted...and remain focused on the gift of each day that God has blessed them to share together.
Robin has shared a few times... so, when we ponder that we might "have all the time in the world" to plan for the "someday" wishes... Our family understands that, "someday is here for us now!"
Robin's personal prayer for those she loves and who reads her family's testimony... is to share that it has taken God's grace and strength in her weakness to help her surrender her pride and feelings of unworthiness to receive such sacrificial love and friendship during this time in her journey. It has not been easy to open up and allow others to walk beside their family, yet God has taught her and Dave so much in the process and revealed that He desired to use their testimony - not only to love them for the days they had left together, but for God to exemplify how abundantly He loves all of His children...through all who Dave and Robin encounter during this season of their life. Reminding us all - we're not meant to walk alone, we're blessed when we can carry another's burden and that being even a small part of someone else's joy becomes a gratifying and purposeful walk as Christians.
Dave, Robin and Haley have been and continue to be surrounded by such an incredible outpouring of God's grace and His love through their family and friends. Many prayer warriors are petitioning the Throne room and interceding on their behalf. It is humbling to see their eyes fixed on Jesus and His peace within them through this storm. God continues to be glorified in how they love one another and prayerfully receive each sacrificial gesture, support need, and timely wish come true in order to soak in every joy-filled moment together!
Since sharing Dave's prognosis with family and friends - Robin shared they have just been overwhelmed and speechless over the incredible and big hearted sacrifices, as well as the generosity poured into each precious day they have left together. Thanksgiving meals, a clean house arriving home from a long stay in the hospital, a gently used recliner for Dave so he can more comfortably visit in the family room... the daily lists goes on!
And it grows into heartfelt dreams, a momentous bucket list for Dave to find joy in, and priceless quality family times for the three of them - that may not otherwise be possible without their faith community who lifts them up with such love!
The Reynold's Family Photo Session - LOVE reached out shortly after Dave's final prognosis and offered to professionally photograph their family at home and outside on their rolling lot. This is something they've never invested in. Photos are always a treasure, yet these will symbolize a season of joy and embrace...not just grief and sorrow.
Haley's Adoption - LOVE and extended family came together to prayerfully petition, fund, and walk alongside Dave and Robin to ensure Haley's official adoption on December 11, 2019. From the time she was a precious baby, it felt like Haley was meant to be Dave and Robin's daughter. However, it meant everything to Dave, as her father, to fulfill this most sacred promise to his daughter, who wrote her daddy this precious note as a little girl, yet when she was already sure who her mommy and daddy were meant to be. In God's perfect timing, Haley's heartfelt dream came true!
2019 UK vs UofL Game at Rupp Arena - Dave has always been a huge UK fan. A UK fan who had never been to a game in person. Yet, LOVE somehow reached out knowing this game meant something different for Dave...that is was his time to see the CATS play in Rupp Arena that year.
LOVE reached out, and now Dave is a bigger UK basketball fan because seeing a game live with seats on the floor, wow!!! That LOVE also came with a private tour of the locker room. In the end, Dave and Robin knew it was just a basketball game, yet it was a day to revel in and share together!
PRAY SEND GO LOVE PRAY SEND GO LOVE
New Timely Opportunities & Ways to Encourage The Reynolds
Hospice is caring for Dave and supporting the Reynolds for the months to come. However, Dave is not under any specific physician or medical restrictions. Therefore, it is a godsend Dave, Robin, and Haley embrace each and everyday while Dave has energy, strength, and mobility to enjoy each day. Robin, herself, has praised the Lord so many times for having glimpses of her husband back after the strain of radiation this past year.
Family Reunion to Naples, Florida (January 19th-25th) - Dave, Robin, and Haley are taking a very sentimental trip to Naples, Florida to see his beloved Aunt Vivian so that she can love and dote on him. Dave affectionately attributes so much of how he was raised as a small boy to his dear aunt and has expressed that it is very important for him to see her again in order to make one more last memory as a family. LOVE stepped in to mitigate what was going to be a long 16hr drive and stressful travel conditions to helped Dave, Robin and Haley secure airfare and lodging.
What can family and friends do? A short term loan was taken out to make sure this important family union was made possible. Family and friends have an opportunity to donate to the Go Fund Me Site towards airfare, VRBO lodging, car rental, and groceries. (Estimated Costs $3,800)
Family Retreat to Gatlinburg, Tennessee (February) - When discussing possible options for a potential family retreat for just the three of us in February, Haley surprised us by sharing she would like to go to Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg, really? Not Disney World. Not Universal Studios? Nothing grandiose! She declared in her centered way that they had never taken her to Gatlinburg. Other "families" vacationed in Gatlinburg. Why not them? All within a short driving distance which should be tolerable for Dave. A Monday - Thursday, or Friday, family of three trip, Dave, Robin and Haley. So, God willing...the energy and strength Dave feels now, he will continue to feel next month as well. Robin and Haley have had enormous support at work with co-workers trading shifts to accommodate doctor appointments and potential trips like the above.
What can family and friends do to support the Reynold's Family Retreat to Gatlinburg? This important family union trip is an opportunity to donate to the Go Fund Me Site towards VRBO lodging, a few activities and groceries. (Estimated Costs $1,400)
My Darlin & Destin, Florida (March/Tentative) - Family friends have donated their condo for a week in March for Robin and Dave to have a private, sacred, and joy-filled haven where they can laugh and love and rest together. Whether that is sand in their toes or sitting lazy on a balcony - not doing much of anything. Just being...together!
What can family and friends do to support Dave and His Darlin's Romantic Destin Getaway? This important getaway is tentative, yet there is an opportunity for family and friends to donate airfare points or donate to the Go Fund Me Site towards airfare funds, car rental, a few activities and groceries. If the trip is not possible... funds will be reallocated towards local grocery funds, medical bills, etc. airfare points will be returned if possible. (Estimated Costs $1,800)
What can family and friends do to support the Reynold's Family in other ways right now? As Robin mentioned above, she has been so very thankful for the normalcy, which has come with Dave's renewed strength, fewer dr. appts (w/ the exception of hospice), etc. It feels good and keeps her from the gnawing tug that she doesn't want to focus right now. However, she knows there will come a time she will need help with meals and community support with items she can't even identify right now. For now, Robin and Dave are focused and immensely grateful for any and all support for their upcoming and potential retreats over the coming months. Otherwise, I asked her to identify any other general items that could be of support (see below).
Mailing Address:
Dave and Robin Reynolds
96 Woodlawn
Shelbyville, KY 40067
Groceries / Household Items
- Kroger for Groceries and Fuel
- Walmart for occasional non-grocery items
Take Out Meals
- Chick fil-A
- Cracker Barrel
- Panera
- Arbys
- Cattleman's
- Subway
- Texas Roadhouse
A personal note from Dave, Robin, and Haley:
We love you. We are grateful for the gift of you in our life journey. Praying that God be glorified in all that we say and do.
Dave, Robin & Haley
The Purpose of Reynolds Family Go Fund Me Initiative
My name is Kellie Hart, I've been a family friend of the Reynolds since a family mission trip to Jamaica in 2014. After observing several family and time sensitive needs, I recently asked Dave, Robin & Haley's permission to share part of their testimony, journey, and support needs on this page. This will facilitate greater awareness for those who love them, wish to lift them up in prayer, bless them in a specific ways, and walk with them during the next very precious months. I, myself, have never been a part of Go Fund Me process and feel very protective of their privacy. It is so difficult to be vulnerable, yet it's how God intends for us to connect, carry one another's burdens, and share our spiritual gifts... which is hard to do when we keep to ourselves or hide in the grind of daily life, fear or our own self doubt. So, it's my heart's intent to LOVE the Reynolds by helping share their beautiful testimony, faith filled walk with the Lord, and how they are deeply trying to be intentional when the days they have left together are literally numbered and the reality of those days are also filled with and compete with long work hours, medical appt. / bills, and the physical ailments of this world that do not simply dissipate in order for them to embrace each day with ease, carefree peace, and cleared calendars. Dave, Robin, and Haley are filled with His hope, peace, and love and their focused prayer is the testimony of the Reynold's Family glorifies God for all to see.
From my humble viewpoint, it is clear to witness how Dave and Robin have been blessed throughout their lives. They are an example to me as Christians and, Robin, as a godly wife. Yet, as someone who continues to walk with them closely through the inevitable heaviness and pain of their journey... my solemn prayer is the heavens open up because of the love and sacrificial support from the community which surrounds them; showers their remaining days together with such abundance - that every single person who reads their testimony is lighter and blessed because of it! While we can never pay someone back for an act of kindness, blessing, or generosity... we are called to pay it or pass it forward! As you read more about the Reynold's testimony, private circumstances and personal ways and specific opportunities to support them... I pray any heaviness, adversity, illness or heartache you're experiencing in this world... is somehow made lighter by God's beautiful grace and healing, in part, because of the love you have shown the Reynold's Family!
with gratitude,
Kellie
Administration Note: While Go Fund Me is new to me, I will do my best to track activities/ purchases/items in a spreadsheet with estimated and actual amounts. In addition, each individual who donates will be listed within the Go Fund Me site. In full disclosure, a frustrating byproduct of having SLE Lupus is up and down days w lethargy, migraines, and overall health. Yet, this isn't about me, I am surrounded by many wonderful women who will be there for me and Robin... and God has called us to be His hands and feet in this human and imperfect to LOVE!
The Reynold's Beautiful Testimony...
When Robin and I started talking about all the memories that keep her company... she tearfully reflected on how good God has and continues to be so very good to her precious family. Her and Dave were introduced to each other the Thursday before Derby in 1988 and were married June 24th that same year! She praises God for bringing such a godly man who would end up loving her so unconditionally for whom He created her to be. Married for more than 31 years - God has transformed them from Christ Fans to Christ Followers.
Dave's Journey with Cancer & Health Prognosis
During Dave's recent health journey, he has endured two bouts with Kidney Cancer. Then earlier in 2019, he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and completed 41 difficult radiation treatments. Thankful to have survived the many complications of the voluminous # of radiation treatments, both Dave and Robin were eager to get the post treatment CT Scan on September 24th behind them. Unfortunately, that scan and subsequent testing/procedures uncovered an underlying, inoperable, and specific form of Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma. A heartbreaking diagnosis, for which there is no cure.
Prior to this past Thanksgiving, Dave's team of physicians informed both he and Robin the prognosis was "maybe a year." Chemotherapy could add a few months to Dave's life, yet he was particularly vulnerable to chemo due to past treatment on his Kidneys. So, they had a great deal to process and be prayerful about over the Thanksgiving holidays and prior to meeting back with his doctors. During Dave's follow up appointment just two short weeks later, his physicians emphasized the Mesothelioma had already spread to his abdomen and then somberly informed Dave and Robin that Dave's new prognosis and timeline had definitively changed from an estimated 1 year to "approximately 6 months".
It was less than two weeks before Christmas. They were so distraught themselves and couldn't bare to tell Haley, who had already been sharing her plan to save her own money for a family Disney trip the next summer. After praying for discernment, guidance, and the peace only our Heavenly Father could put in his heart, Dave chose to focus on the quality of each day he had vs trying to negotiate the number of his days. They were able to sit-down with Haley and talk through the new timeline. As we are all reminded many times...tomorrow is not promised and God directs us to live as though each day may be our last. However, it is a humble feat to stay this centered until that final hourglass becomes a reality... and it has for Dave. That hourglass was even switched out on him in a matter of two weeks. And so they adjusted...and remain focused on the gift of each day that God has blessed them to share together.
Robin has shared a few times... so, when we ponder that we might "have all the time in the world" to plan for the "someday" wishes... Our family understands that, "someday is here for us now!"
Robin's personal prayer for those she loves and who reads her family's testimony... is to share that it has taken God's grace and strength in her weakness to help her surrender her pride and feelings of unworthiness to receive such sacrificial love and friendship during this time in her journey. It has not been easy to open up and allow others to walk beside their family, yet God has taught her and Dave so much in the process and revealed that He desired to use their testimony - not only to love them for the days they had left together, but for God to exemplify how abundantly He loves all of His children...through all who Dave and Robin encounter during this season of their life. Reminding us all - we're not meant to walk alone, we're blessed when we can carry another's burden and that being even a small part of someone else's joy becomes a gratifying and purposeful walk as Christians.
Dave, Robin and Haley have been and continue to be surrounded by such an incredible outpouring of God's grace and His love through their family and friends. Many prayer warriors are petitioning the Throne room and interceding on their behalf. It is humbling to see their eyes fixed on Jesus and His peace within them through this storm. God continues to be glorified in how they love one another and prayerfully receive each sacrificial gesture, support need, and timely wish come true in order to soak in every joy-filled moment together!
Since sharing Dave's prognosis with family and friends - Robin shared they have just been overwhelmed and speechless over the incredible and big hearted sacrifices, as well as the generosity poured into each precious day they have left together. Thanksgiving meals, a clean house arriving home from a long stay in the hospital, a gently used recliner for Dave so he can more comfortably visit in the family room... the daily lists goes on!
And it grows into heartfelt dreams, a momentous bucket list for Dave to find joy in, and priceless quality family times for the three of them - that may not otherwise be possible without their faith community who lifts them up with such love!
The Reynold's Family Photo Session - LOVE reached out shortly after Dave's final prognosis and offered to professionally photograph their family at home and outside on their rolling lot. This is something they've never invested in. Photos are always a treasure, yet these will symbolize a season of joy and embrace...not just grief and sorrow.
Haley's Adoption - LOVE and extended family came together to prayerfully petition, fund, and walk alongside Dave and Robin to ensure Haley's official adoption on December 11, 2019. From the time she was a precious baby, it felt like Haley was meant to be Dave and Robin's daughter. However, it meant everything to Dave, as her father, to fulfill this most sacred promise to his daughter, who wrote her daddy this precious note as a little girl, yet when she was already sure who her mommy and daddy were meant to be. In God's perfect timing, Haley's heartfelt dream came true!
2019 UK vs UofL Game at Rupp Arena - Dave has always been a huge UK fan. A UK fan who had never been to a game in person. Yet, LOVE somehow reached out knowing this game meant something different for Dave...that is was his time to see the CATS play in Rupp Arena that year.
LOVE reached out, and now Dave is a bigger UK basketball fan because seeing a game live with seats on the floor, wow!!! That LOVE also came with a private tour of the locker room. In the end, Dave and Robin knew it was just a basketball game, yet it was a day to revel in and share together!
PRAY SEND GO LOVE PRAY SEND GO LOVE
New Timely Opportunities & Ways to Encourage The Reynolds
Hospice is caring for Dave and supporting the Reynolds for the months to come. However, Dave is not under any specific physician or medical restrictions. Therefore, it is a godsend Dave, Robin, and Haley embrace each and everyday while Dave has energy, strength, and mobility to enjoy each day. Robin, herself, has praised the Lord so many times for having glimpses of her husband back after the strain of radiation this past year.
Family Reunion to Naples, Florida (January 19th-25th) - Dave, Robin, and Haley are taking a very sentimental trip to Naples, Florida to see his beloved Aunt Vivian so that she can love and dote on him. Dave affectionately attributes so much of how he was raised as a small boy to his dear aunt and has expressed that it is very important for him to see her again in order to make one more last memory as a family. LOVE stepped in to mitigate what was going to be a long 16hr drive and stressful travel conditions to helped Dave, Robin and Haley secure airfare and lodging.
What can family and friends do? A short term loan was taken out to make sure this important family union was made possible. Family and friends have an opportunity to donate to the Go Fund Me Site towards airfare, VRBO lodging, car rental, and groceries. (Estimated Costs $3,800)
Family Retreat to Gatlinburg, Tennessee (February) - When discussing possible options for a potential family retreat for just the three of us in February, Haley surprised us by sharing she would like to go to Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg, really? Not Disney World. Not Universal Studios? Nothing grandiose! She declared in her centered way that they had never taken her to Gatlinburg. Other "families" vacationed in Gatlinburg. Why not them? All within a short driving distance which should be tolerable for Dave. A Monday - Thursday, or Friday, family of three trip, Dave, Robin and Haley. So, God willing...the energy and strength Dave feels now, he will continue to feel next month as well. Robin and Haley have had enormous support at work with co-workers trading shifts to accommodate doctor appointments and potential trips like the above.
What can family and friends do to support the Reynold's Family Retreat to Gatlinburg? This important family union trip is an opportunity to donate to the Go Fund Me Site towards VRBO lodging, a few activities and groceries. (Estimated Costs $1,400)
My Darlin & Destin, Florida (March/Tentative) - Family friends have donated their condo for a week in March for Robin and Dave to have a private, sacred, and joy-filled haven where they can laugh and love and rest together. Whether that is sand in their toes or sitting lazy on a balcony - not doing much of anything. Just being...together!
What can family and friends do to support Dave and His Darlin's Romantic Destin Getaway? This important getaway is tentative, yet there is an opportunity for family and friends to donate airfare points or donate to the Go Fund Me Site towards airfare funds, car rental, a few activities and groceries. If the trip is not possible... funds will be reallocated towards local grocery funds, medical bills, etc. airfare points will be returned if possible. (Estimated Costs $1,800)
What can family and friends do to support the Reynold's Family in other ways right now? As Robin mentioned above, she has been so very thankful for the normalcy, which has come with Dave's renewed strength, fewer dr. appts (w/ the exception of hospice), etc. It feels good and keeps her from the gnawing tug that she doesn't want to focus right now. However, she knows there will come a time she will need help with meals and community support with items she can't even identify right now. For now, Robin and Dave are focused and immensely grateful for any and all support for their upcoming and potential retreats over the coming months. Otherwise, I asked her to identify any other general items that could be of support (see below).
Mailing Address:
Dave and Robin Reynolds
96 Woodlawn
Shelbyville, KY 40067
Groceries / Household Items
- Kroger for Groceries and Fuel
- Walmart for occasional non-grocery items
Take Out Meals
- Chick fil-A
- Cracker Barrel
- Panera
- Arbys
- Cattleman's
- Subway
- Texas Roadhouse
A personal note from Dave, Robin, and Haley:
We love you. We are grateful for the gift of you in our life journey. Praying that God be glorified in all that we say and do.
Dave, Robin & Haley
Organizer and beneficiary
Kellie Hart
Organizer
Louisville, KY
Robin Reynolds
Beneficiary