Rob and I married on April 16, 2020 and our daughter Kaelyn was born on July 24, 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. We also have five other children Alex (17), Emma (10), Alister (8), Amelia (4) and Elissa (3).

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In the beginning, we thought the threat of the virus and my autoimmune disease was our greatest problem during the pandemic. We did not foresee how complicated things would quickly become as Rob began experiencing strange health symptoms. Within a few months, Rob had developed a noticeable lump, so I urged him to get it evaluated by a doctor. Rob assured me it was nothing and said he would see if it went away. Within weeks, the lump did disappear but new symptoms became apparent. This time, I forced Rob to go to the E.R. for an emergency scan. A nonseminoma tumor was discovered with other nodules present in the lungs. Rob had emergency surgery within a week to remove the tumor as it is possibly aggressively spreading.

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I wasn't allowed to be with Rob after the surgery due to COVID-19 precautions, so I was alone in the waiting room on the phone with the doctor when I was told the tumor is malignant and that he will be expedited to Oncology so treatment can be scheduled as soon as possible. I immediately thought of Rob alone in the recovery room after surgery and how heartbreaking it was to not be able to comfort him as he heard this news. The pandemic exacerbates the complications of this entire ordeal.

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Rob is presently recovering from his first surgery, but we know he will need others. We also know he will begin either chemo or radiation within the next weeks. We are awaiting further details on the exact pathology of the tumor, but the surgeon fears it is an aggressive and rare cancer that metastasizes quickly in other organ systems. The first appointment with Oncology is January 15, 2021 and we expect to have a better understanding of the fight Rob is up against. 

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We thank all those who are praying and keeping us in their thoughts. We appreciate your support and kindness during this difficult time. I created this page so that I can share updates and information without use of social media as I find it overwhelming while dealing with these circumstances. 

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For those asking for ways to help our family, there is a contributions page to see different ideas on helping families going through cancer struggles. Again, we are so very thankful to all who have already reached out to us and those continuing to ask how to help. You are truly a blessing. 

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