update

Rob and Amber flew to Phoenix on Sunday. They were able to make contact with someone through the blog and he has really been a huge help. He gave them the name of a doctor in Phoenix and they had their first appointment with him yesterday. (They've been waiting to get in to MD Anderson but it keeps getting postponed because they can't go until his prior hospitals to send over his tissue samples and etc) This doctor takes a comprehensive approach and he is open to researching and incorporating their ideas to make them all mesh together. He believes that Robi's terrible pain is caused by an infection in his arm and he got him started on an antibiotic today. This doctor is against amputating his arm. Amputation will cause alot of inflammation and cancer cells thrive in that. So rather than doing that, he wants to get control of the pain and then attack the system gently without causing more inflammation. Its been a productive few days but very busy and pretty tough on Rob. The doctor appointment is finally set for MD Anderson. It is July 13 at 8 am. This week they will get a little out-patient treatment for him and then make a final decision on doctors next week after their trip to Houston. Whatever she decides, it will be soon because there isn't time to waste. His tumors are spreading quickly and the pain is too much.

The doctor this week is all alternative so insurance covers nothing. It is $4000 per week. He will need to be there at least 4 weeks, and thats just to start. With all of our fundraising, we have been able to alleviate the financial stress on them. They have enough to worry about right now and we are doing awesome in our fundraising. We, you and me, are helping in ways we didn't even expect! Everyone has been so generous both financially and emotionally. The support we have given him helps him keep going on days when it hurts so bad, its unbearable. He needs us. They both do.

On Sunday it was their baby's 2nd birthday. He was in so much pain that, when I left their house, he couldn't even talk. But he wasn't able to rest. He had to get on a flight to Phoenix to make it to his Dr. appointment. Not only was he in severe pain, but he had to leave AGAIN, and even on her birthday. It was very hard for him. He is so close to his children and didn't want to leave her again. He's been gone so much of her little life because of his illness. We can't wait for the day when he is healthy.. and home making giant oreo balls and having movie night with his family.

But we are getting closer to answers and help!! We have hope and with all of our support he will have the strength to continue. Thank you so much for everything so far. You are awesome. Keep it up!

MORE RAFFLES!

We have been overwhelmed with donations from local businesses who want to help and support Robi. There are more items to be raffled off. If you would like to purchase raffle tickets, please donate via the paypal link to the right of this post, then comment under this post and let me know your name and email to contact you if you win. ALSO, Please tell me which raffle you would like to enter (there are 3 different raffles) If you'd rather purchase tickets in person, we will have them for sale at this weeks Ride For Robi Event on Saturday at Vistas Park.
Tickets are $10 each.

The Raffles are -

RAFFLE 1
1 Set of Phase 1 Braces (phase 1 generally means ages 7-10) includes retainer and x-rays. All those who buy into this raffle receive a free bracket upgrade!! for participating. (valued at $300) Centennial Hills Orthodontics This service without insurance goes for $2700-$3400, depending on the nature of the problem.
2 Purple Penguin Snow Cone Gift Certificates

RAFFLE 2
1 full orthodontic case, including braces. Valued at $6,000! Dr. Lance Whetten
2 Purple Penguin Snow Cone Gift Certificates

RAFFLE 3
Dental Cleaning, Exam, and Xrays, Dr. Kline C. Black
3 Purple Penguin Snow Cone GIft Certificates
1 Haircut by Jana Jarvis, Whoop-de-doos Salon

Walk in His Shoes

I'm super excited to announce another great opportunity to support Rob. Especially because it is an awesome way to help others in need. We are going to be collecting shoes. The organization is called Project Sole. They collect shoes, pay us a few dollars for each one, then send them to people in need. Most of us can think of a few pairs deep in our closet that don't get used or that have been outgrown right? Dust those babies off and bring them to the run on Saturday. They are looking for "sneaker" type shoes because they work best for the people over seas in need. We will be collecting shoes at all our upcoming events so keep 'em coming. If you would like to help collect shoes in your neighborhood let us know. We would be more than happy to pick them up and help you in your efforts. Thank you for all you do!

Tonight we were talking with Rob and noticing that his hair is starting to grow back. He made the comment that with no hair on his body he has no reason to look in the mirror. Each morning he wipes his eyes clear of sleep and is ready to go for the day. It's hard to see him so uncomfortable with pain but I love how still cracks jokes and makes the best of it.

Today is Savannah's birthday. She is Robi's 2nd daughter and turns 2 years old today. It was shortly after her birth when Robi first starting feeling pain in his left arm. There have been very few times when Robi has been able to hold his baby without feeling discomfort and pain. A few weeks ago, upon returning home from a Chemotherapy treatment, Robi was worn out and spending alot of time in bed. When he felt well enough he dressed himself and went downstairs. Savannah was so happy. She ran to him at bottom of the stairs and threw her arms around his legs in a hug saying "Yay, Daddy is awake!" Happy Birthday beautiful baby girl!

Bake Sale Fundraiser

Channel 8 Local News came to the Bake Sale today and interviewed Robi and Amber. You can see it here.

Congratulations to the raffle winners!
Lynn, Rachel, Shannon, Tom, Brett, and Amanda!
Enjoy your awesome prizes!


A HUGE thank you to all of the Bake Sale Fundraiser Supporters! We raised over $7,000! Thank you so much to those who put it together and made it happen. See you at the Bike Ride/5K on the 9th!

Rob's going to be on the news tonight at 6:30. Channel 8 came to the bake sale fundraiser today and interviewed both Robi and Amber. Please tune in!

We have 2 tickets to the UFC fight tomorrow night, Saturday July 2. They were donated to Rob's Bake Sale Fundraiser. We have listed them on eBay. Click here to purchase them.