Help a Mom see her Son in the Olympics.....

Early on in my Twitter journey, I remember seeing tweets from a “Coach Robyn”. Several months later, I remember remarking to my sister that I think Coach Robyn has to be one of the nicest, kindest people I’ve ever encountered on social media. I had noticed, what I’m sure others also noticed, that she was one of the first people to welcome new friends, she had words of encouragement and strength for everyone, she went out of her way to just be NICE.

Fast forward a year and we are lucky enough that Coach adopted Gordan Beagle from Rescue Coop. Little Gordy came with a host of issues. Trauma, aggression, health issues that were not easy for this single mom to afford, yet she never asked for help, never suggested he may be returned and in fact constantly said no matter how hard it is, she is NEVER giving him back. This kind of commitment and dedication and love extends to her two boys.

Robyn and her boys struggled as many of us do but even more so than most of us. In fact, they were homeless for a year and a half during the boys’ high school years. She’s had serious health challenges, fighting severe kidney issues requiring oral and intravenous medications for the rest of her life. She’s recently endured chemo and IV steroid injections that are emotionally and financially draining.

In spite of all of these life challenges (or maybe because of them?) her sons are amazing young men. Vlad is a successful water polo player at McKendree University where he graduates in May as a Music Education Major. He was recently accepted to grad school for percussion performance and played with the Belleville Philharmonic. Ivan graduated from USC with honors in May 2023 and is currently in grad school studying Sport Coaching and Education at West Virginia University where he is a member of the men’s Swim & Dive team.

Anddddd Ivan, drumroll please ...recently qualified for the OLYMPICS!!!!

Months ago, we begged Coach to do a GoFundMe to help with expenses related to her medical care. She repeatedly (proudly and with embarrassment) said “the only GoFundMe I will allow is if Ivan makes the Olympics.” Well, Ivan has qualified for the 2024 Olympics in Paris this summer. This family has overcome so much and also achieved so much. Today I reach out to you, Twitter community, to help Robyn and Vlad watch Ivan compete in the 10k Marathon Swimming event at the Olympic games.

Update: Our goal has been reached but additional donations welcome and appreciated and will be used for incidental travel expenses or medical debt related to chronic kidney illness.

So very thankful to everyone who donated!!

Due to rising ticket and hotel prices, we have updated our goal amount. Gosh Paris is EXPENSIVE !

We have updated the goal and any funds above the cost of Paris will be used to pay down Robyn’s medical debt. A huge thank you to everyone who supported her!