Nicholas Novak Education Fund (Bob Novak Tribute)

It is with the utmost sadness that we write these words... We have lost one of the closest friends we have ever had...

On August 24, 2023, the world inexplicably and unexpectedly lost a truly magnificent man. Robert (Bob) K. Novak, MD -- at the age of 32 years -- did not return home from work to his loving wife and two-month-old son. He tragically passed away.

Bob spent that day doing what he loved to do -- helping people. As an anesthesiology resident physician at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL, Bob dedicated his time and energy to alleviating the pain of his patients. He was passionate about gently caring for people when they were truly at their most vulnerable.

Bob was two years away from reaping the rewards of his lifetime of painstaking hard work. Two years away from being able to independently use the unique skillset he developed after over a decade of intensive schooling and training, hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical school education, and sacrificing prime years of his youth to help people. He would have touched the lives of thousands of people throughout his career.

Most tragically, Bob's young family has been gutted; just as their story was getting started. He leaves behind his beloved wife of two years, Anastasia, and his two-month-old baby boy, Nicholas. Nicholas will never have the chance to get to know his father. Bob will never have the chance to watch his son grow up and provide for him.

Although there is no way to financially quantify Bob's absence in his family's future, the monetary loss that the Novak's will endure is tremendous. The purpose of this gofundme is to provide Bob's son, Nicholas Novak, with a small fraction of the financial stability that his father would have provided. Most notably, to aid him in his future educational endeavors.

We sincerely ask for donations of any amount to be made as a memorial for our dearest friend, loving husband and father, and artful physician -- Robert K. Novak, MD.

On behalf of the Novak and Vassiliou families, and with deep gratitude,

Aaron L Wiegmann, MD

Dominic Pacione

David Roehrich, MD

***THE FAMILY KINDLY DECLINES BEING CONTACTED BY ANY MEDIA ENTITY, WE APPRECIATE THE RESPECT FOR THEIR PRIVACY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME***