A Christmas Miracle of Love and Support for Bob

*We hope to keep this fundraiser going as we await more test results and information on Bob's condition, prognosis, and course of treatment* 

Please follow our updates!

Bob & Laurie's Secret Wedding 1/14/24

Our Story:

Dear friends and kind-hearted souls,

At the end of November, I visited Laurie, my mom, and her partner, Bob, at their home in Maine. Little did we know that our lives would take an unexpected and devastating turn shortly after. Bob received a terminal cancer diagnosis - a rare blue spindle cell carcinoma that has spread throughout his body - just days after my visit. All of his medical care is through the VA thanks to his veteran status. Nonetheless, we find ourselves in a situation where hope is precious, time is uncertain, and the resources needed to help Bob and Laurie survive this situation simply aren't there.

This Christmas, after 12 beautiful years together, Bob and Laurie, wish to exchange vows and solidify their love. However, taking this step means my mom will lose her healthcare, adding yet another layer of complexity to our already challenging situation. They shouldn't have to choose between basic costs of living and their desire to exchange vows this Christmas and officially commit to their love for one another. You can help eliminate the need to choose. With your support, they won't have to choose between paying for basic needs and celebrating their love with the time they have left.

We know there are lots of worthy causes and desperate situations for you to give to. Thanks for even reaching this page. We're asking for a lifeline -- not to cure Bob's cancer, but to make the time we have left as comfortable as possible -- and to give Mom and Bob a Christmas miracle: a simple wedding, unemcumbered by the basics they need but can't afford. We're setting the fundraiser goal at $500 -- an amount we hope we can reach or exceed -- because we know that everyone has needs and hardships of their own. Mainers don't enjoy asking for charity, and we know we're not the only ones in a desperate situation. We do not expect our story to go "viral" -- we are simply hoping that you feel compelled to open your heart enough to contribute whatever you can.

The VA doctors haven't provided recommendations for treatment, leaving us in the dark. Desperate for relief from Bob's pain, we're exploring alternative therapies and palliative care, expenses that won't be covered by the VA. With no treatment options on the horizon, we're forced to explore every avenue available.

Blue spindle cell carcinoma is exceedingly rare and doesn't offer a cure, just a race against time. Our wish is to spend every moment together, cherishing our love, rather than worrying about how to access the basics: like food, gas, even the car battery for their truck, which needs to be replaced.

Bob, a Navy veteran, entered our lives late but has been a beacon of kindness, hard work, and unwavering support. He doesn't ask for help, but he's always been there for us. Now, we're asking for your support in our time of need.

Your contribution, whether $4 to cover a gallon of gas or any amount you can spare, will make a significant difference in easing the financial and emotional burdens this situation has placed on my mom and Bob.

Together, we can give them the Christmas miracle they deserve: a day filled with happiness and love, a day to get married, and a day to forget the stress of it all -- a bit of peace amidst the uncertainty that lies ahead.

We don't know what's to come: but we know that everything will come with a financial burden.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for helping us keep hope alive during this challenging journey.

100% of all funds donated will go directly to Mom and Bob at their home in the town of Rome, Maine.

With true love and heartfelt gratitude,

Lily (and Laurie and Bob)

Laurie and Bob at home in Rome, Maine.

Bob and me (Lily)

Mom with a stuffed dachsund (she and Bob have three of them at home!)

Bob, still with holiday cheer, after receiving the diagnosis.

Update! A message of gratitude from Laurie, my mom, on Dec 26: "This Christmas miracle has surpassed our hopes and brought us happiness at a time when it is truly needed. You can’t imagine what a mixture of joy and relief these gifts have brought us, knowing that such kindheartedness is alive in this world. You all matter so much to us, including you anonymous dear ones. Bless you all!"