Susie Ashworth & Rob Bader Memorial Fund

Early this morning, December 4, my sister Susie died. She collapsed and EMTs were unable to revive her.

Unbeknownst to most people, Susie had a diagnosis of breast cancer right before her husband Rob passed away. She underwent a single mastectomy and radiation. On top of all that, she had been struggling with interstitial cystitis for years.

Our family has coalesced around the three kids. Needless to say, we are yet again asking for your financial support. Anything you can give will go directly to support Rob and Susie’s children.

Update 3/22: Rob’s service has been set for Saturday 3/25 at 11:00 am, Point Richmond United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St, Richmond, CA 94801

Please come help celebrate Rob’s life and show his wife and kids how much he was, and still is, loved.

Update 3/19: It is the saddest duty of my life to report that Rob has passed away. He slept through the night peacefully, and simply stopped breathing at 8:00 am. His father was able to make it in time from Baltimore, as did his father-in-law from Southern California. I know his many, many friends and colleagues are devastated at this news.

Your donations have made it possible for his family to continue their lives less burdened by medical debt, but as you may know, Rob was the main income source for his wife and three kids. If you feel comfortable, please consider donating to supper them as they navigate this difficult journey.

Update 3/18: Rob‘s doctors feel that end-of-life care is what is best at this point. Our efforts are focused on keeping Rob comfortable. He is on morphine, which makes him drowsy most of the time. But I have been reading each and every one of your messages to him. He can hear us.

He can hear your words.

Update 3/16: Rob was hospitalized this weekend. He is resting much more comfortably now, and he’s sleeping as I write this. The staff at Summit in Oakland are truly angels in scrubs. My brother George and I have been taking turns staying overnight with him, as he seems comforted by another person’s presence.

Rob’s eldest son Jackson came home from college to visit him. The light that came into his eyes was absolutely beautiful.

Rob has been diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer. His family is all banding together to help, but the medical expenses are piling up fast. The family is considering an alternative treatment as traditional chemotherapy has proven ineffective. We are hoping to raise funds to cover the cost since this treatment is not covered by insurance. Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated!