Sometimes Heroes Need A Hero

Almost 20 years ago, Robert and Heather met in high school, each finding their soulmate and best friend. Robert is a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy and Heather recently got started in a career of real estate. They have spent most of their adult lives protecting and caring for those around them, including family, friends and even complete strangers. After 10 years of marriage, and years of wanting to start a family of their own Heather finally found out she was pregnant. It hasn’t been easy; Heather has suffered from a challenging pregnancy. Throughout these challenges, Robert and Heather have focused on the joy of starting their family, preparing like many of us do by downsizing what they have to give all that they have, to their new baby – while taking on as much extra work as possible. Amid their hard work and preparation, and at only 36 years of age, Robert suffered from a heart attack, taking him off active duty from the sheriff’s department. The added stress posed too much for Heather, causing more complications and ultimately she was admitted into the hospital to monitor her remaining pregnancy at 28 weeks. Just this week, our family got the worst news – as Heather was in one hospital, Robert was admitted into Tampa General Hospital across town – from another heart attack. After passing what was to be his final exam to go back to active duty, less than half an hour later he was rushed to Tampa General – this time requiring a forced coma and a pump just to allow his heart to continue beating. After just 24 hours of Robert waking up at Tampa General and recovering, on February 14th, Heather had an emergency C-Section across town at Advent Health Tampa, and their small but beautiful baby girl came into the world: Raelynn. She was born just over one pound and is currently in the NICU for the next 10 weeks. As their family and friends, Robert and Heather have been in our prayers for months, and we hope that they can also be in yours. Any contribution to help them get back onto their feet as they battle their own medical challenges ahead and those of their baby girl’s are unbelievably appreciated. We cannot imagine more deserving individuals of our community’s generosity. Thank you for your time, prayers and open hearts