Please help pay for Robert Beckham's End of Life Expenses

Original Mission:

We first met Robert on Facebook around 2017. He reached out looking for friends; over three years, he became more like family to us. In 2020, we began helping him with his financial expenses, such as his cell phone bill, which we have paid since then. We also helped with food and tried to find ways to support his dream of traveling cross-country.

Robert was a spirited individual whose life took an unforeseen turn. He became paralyzed as a teen from the H1N1 vaccine and, as a result, suffered numerous health complications and immobility, rendering him financially vulnerable. Despite these challenges, Robert bravely confronted his struggles with a big smile.

Robert's days used to be painted with outdoor adventures, artistic endeavors, and spontaneous journeys. Unfortunately, his circumstances changed drastically, and he spent most of his time in a state-funded nursing home, frequently transported to the hospital for medical care related to numerous complications (amyloidosis, extreme physical pain, autonomic dysreflexia, and more).

He desperately wanted to get out of the nursing home and live in his apartment with the support of a caregiver. We aimed to gather funds to support Robert in finding a path to autonomy and more excellent financial stability. He had been rendered destitute and had no one he could count on to help him with his most basic needs.

Current Goal:

It is with great sadness and devastation that we must inform you that Robert passed away this morning due to complications from pneumonia. His physical, emotional, and mental strength had been utterly exhausted by his health struggles.

Lauren and I traveled East to Maryland in early July and saw Robert at the hospital. He was frail, and not long after that, we were unable to see him again. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to visit him. Over the last month, Robert's pneumonia had become severe, and he was in and out of the ICU. After exhausting procedures and due to debilitating pain and emotional and physical fatigue, Robert elected to sign a DNR. A few days ago, he was moved to hospice care. Due to years of antibiotic treatments, he had become antibiotic-resistant, which contributed to the severity of his condition.

Now, we are seeking support to cover the costs of Robert's funerary expenses and to provide some financial stability for his grieving mother, Belinda. She is homeless and in poor health, having suffered two heart attacks recently. She does not have the financial ability to pay for Robert's funeral services.

The founders of Rebuild Better Together, an incredible nonprofit in the MD and PA areas, have found a way to make Robert's cremation possible. We aim to raise enough funds to cover expenses and support Belinda during this difficult time. She is currently living on a friend's couch and desperately needs a place to stay while grieving.

Commitment to Transparency:

We remain committed to maintaining transparency and providing updates on how your contributions are being used.

See below:

A Heartfelt Thank You:

Your support transcends mere financial assistance; it is a symbol of hope and solidarity. By rallying behind Robert and his mother, you are part of a larger narrative of compassion and community strength. Together, let's turn this challenging time into an opportunity for hope.

Thank you for your support, prayers, and kindness during this difficult time.

Nadya with Robert in early July

Nadya and Lauren with Robert in early July

Nadya and Lauren will be with Robert in 2022; he is doing much better now. :(