Bob Kowalski Cancer Relief Fund

7/25/23 Surgery Day

Well, today’s finally the day. Chemo and radiation treatments were successful and Bob went in for surgery this morning to have the affected tissue removed. Surgery is scheduled to last 6 to 8 hours. Once complete, he will be moved to the ICU for post-op recovery and will need to stay in the hospital a minimum of 6 days for monitoring. Thank you so much to everyone who has been kind enough to help out in anyway. Please send thoughts and prayers that the surgery is a success and all goes well. The hard part is almost over!!

**UPDATE** Bob started his new chemo today and his body seems to be accepting it! He now goes in for treatment once every 2 weeks and has to wear a slow release injection for 2 days at a time. He still has to go in 5 days a week for radiation treatment which seems to be helping. We’re moving him into his new place this week where he’s closer to the treatment facility and can get emergency care if necessary. Last weekend he was able to spend time with his granddaughters and was able to actually eat and keep down real food, California Rolls and he loved it!! Very positive and excited to move forward with treatment! Thank you to everyone who has reached out to support. The battle has just begun and he still has a long road ahead of him. More positive things to come!**

Hi,my name is Dave Kowalski, long time Algonac resident and lifelong "Islander” My reason for reaching out to family and friends in this time of need is to ask for prayers and support for my father, Robert (Island Bob) Kowalski, who was recently diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer and has found himself in a tight spot; physically, mentally and financially. Bob went in for a scope about 9 weeks ago, due to complications he was having with swallowing and being able to keep his food down. The results of his scope revealed a cancerous growth in his throat, blocking approximately 75% of his esophagus. He has since lost the ability to swallow whole foods or drink liquids and has been receiving nutrients through a feeding tube for the last 6+ weeks. On 3/6, Bob began radiation treatment, which seemed to be helping at first, but then took a wrong turn and he experienced a major setback on 3/8 when, 5 minutes into his first chemo treatment his body rejected the medicine and began to shut down. He’s doing much better now, moving in the right direction and we hope to get him back on track with the chemo asap so he can begin the journey ahead of him on the long road to recovery. Bob is now staying with his daughter and her family on the mainland where he receives 24/7 monitoring and assistance and is located within reasonable distance of several major medical care facilities. At this time, Bob is surrounded by loved ones and he has a very positive attitude and a strong will to fight, but now more than ever, he could use all the love and support he can get. Our number one goal, at this time, is to get Bob healthy and home, back to the island where he belongs. Anyone who knows him, knows what a strong, loving, energetic and compassionate soul he is, and he has always given everything he can just to make others smile. Music, dancing and “living the island life” are his passions and passing that life on to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is what he lives for everyday. Please reach out, in anyway you can, and help give Bob the strength to fight and overcome the battle he has in front of him. Any form of donations are welcome. If you prefer not to donate through Gofundme, please shoot me a message through Facebook. 

Thank you