Bobby Diehl and Family

In November of 2013, Bobby Diehl had an aortic dissection. Only one in 88 survive the surgery to repair this heart condition. After several surgeries and medical miracles, Bobby put his “Energizer Bunny” mentality into recovering and soon went back to teaching. Bobby was a teacher for 33 years and is never without a smile. He has been living a happy life with his wife Sylvia, daughter Cara, and son-in-law Zachary. He is especially fond of going for 3-mile hikes every day with his dogs, Sammie and Punkin. He was a race car driver for many years and still loves the sport.

Fast forward nine years, and the graft that was once his miracle got infected. Bobby was once again in need of major, complex surgery for an aortic infection. After a week in Tampa General Hospital, the surgeons recommended antibiotics for the rest of his life and would give Bobby a small chance of living more than a year. The Diehl family doesn’t give up. They found a Texas surgeon who would perform the surgery with a 90% survival rate. The family has traveled to Houston to the Hermann Memorial Texas Medical Center. Bobby has survived the surgery and they are waiting for him to be removed from a ventilator. After that, the family was told to expect him to remain in the Houston hospital for 3 weeks. Once he can fly home, he will need medications costing over $500 per week for an undetermined length of time.

While Bobby’s family is focusing on his surgery, recovery, and future health, family friends are starting this fundraiser to help cover Bobby’s healthcare and family travel expenses. Your support will help the Diehl family avoid devastating financial loss and concentrate their efforts on Bobby’s current and future health. The Diehl family are lifelong educators who have dedicated their lives to young people. They have already survived a huge medical journey and need your help to survive this one.

We are forever grateful for your love and support.