Get Rob Gibson back outside!

Suddenly paralyzed from the chest down. Rob's life changed on October 5th. Rob and Lena are avid hikers, and he loves everything outdoors,  soccer, art, photography, comics, and of course most of all their children and pets. Together Rob and Lena have 9 children ranging from 7 to 25. They lead a very active life and were in the process of moving to their new home in Powell, when Rob lost feeling and use of his left hand and foot, then both feet. Turns out he had a C5 and C6 spinal injury caused by bulging discs that completely interrupted the spinal chord fluid and paralyzed him. He had two emergency surgeries, one just to restore his ability to cough. 

Now we are fundraising as friends and family to help them deal with the enormous costs of getting their home renovated (accessible bath and bedroom on the first floor) ramps, a wheelchair accessible van, hospital bed, specialized shower chairs, mobility equipment, lifts to transfer from wheelchair to bed, and perhaps most important an all terrain wheelchair so that we can help get Rob back out on the trails again someday! 

They put on a brave face, but this is tougher than any of us on the outside can imagine. Both Rob and Lena are such positive, hard working people who have overcome so many obstacles in their life. We know they will create a new life, incorporating this new paralysis - in whatever form it finally takes. Rob is working tirelessly in rehab now, and his grit and smile will be needed for years to come. We humbly ask for your support to take care of some of the on-going expenses and one time purchases that will enable them to develop this new life. 

Once Rob is discharged from rehab (approx November 13th) they will need transportation and equipment and renovations mentioned above. There will also be on-going care and supplies that will be a mounting expense. Care every 4-6 hours at least, and currently Rob still needs assistance and a lift to transfer from bed to chair and back. They still need to formulate a plan for care, once Lena returns to work as a doctor. Not to mention care of their small children. It's a big undertaking. 

Lena is my best friend, and I'm organizing this effort, because most importantly they need it and also because it's a way that I can help while being so far away. Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for anything you are willing to contribute. All of the proceeds will go directly to Rob and Lena.

Let's help get Rob back outside!