Rob Boettcher Memorial Fund
Donation protected
Reaching out for prayers and help for the Boettcher family during this difficult time. Rob passed away on Thanksgiving Day due to his complications with MDS. Many of you know his story, some of you may not.
In 2016, Rob was diagnosed with a Bone Marrow Failure Disorder called MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome). MDS causes your bone marrow (what creates your blood cells – whites, reds, and platelets) to create blood cells that are immature and useless. What happened as a result of MDS, the good cells would get “clogged” out of his blood, he would get short of breath (low red cells), easily sick (low white cells), and easily bruise or bleed (low platelets). He had been getting blood work done every 3 months since his diagnosis to make sure his MDS was kept in check, or if there were more problems occurring. The only cure for MDS is a bone marrow transplant, which he was preparing to do this last Fall, with the help of his brother, Ed, being his donor.
Over this past summer, he had multiple other health concerns in which he thought the MDS was causing issues to his internal organs. He developed gout, arthritis, enlarged spleen and liver, and shortness of breath. On several occasions, he had to have blood transfusions to get his red blood cells high enough for him to breath.
As Rob and Angie continued their journey to get to the bottom of the added health issues, Rob ended up in the ER on Labor Day of this year. He had an infection causing multiple organ failures and had a massive heart attack. After being induced into a coma the first several days to make his body strong enough, they were able to do the open heart surgery Rob needed to repair the 3 blockages and valve replacement. After 2 ½ weeks in the hospital, Rob was finally well enough to go home, being considered by the hospital, the miracle patient, because of what he went through. I think we all could agree.
His healing from his heart surgery was progressing well. He recently had an appointment with his oncologist to discuss the bone marrow transplant schedule. After review, the oncologist was convinced the MDS had nothing to do with his heart attack and his heart attack had no impact on the MDS. They were planning on doing his transplant in the Spring, to give him more time to heal and regain strength.
Rob was planning on returning back to work on November 30th. He had gotten very ill overnight the prior Tuesday/Wednesday, resulting in being admitted to the hospital ICU on Wednesday morning. He lost his battle on Thanksgiving Day.
Thank you to the Lancaster General Hospital and staff for the heartfelt, amazing care you gave Rob during his time with you.
While we know he is in a truly wonderful place, the pain of losing a husband, a dad, a brother, a son, a cherished friend, and a colleague is very real. I think we can all agree he taught us many things throughout his life here on Earth. His sense of humor, his selflessness, the way he cared for others, and how he helped people - are just a few of the fabulous characteristics he showed us by example.
Rob loved his family. Angie and Hannah could use our support and help during this time of tragic loss. Please consider donating in his memory to help them with medical, funeral, and other expenses. I know it would mean a great deal to them.
Rob, you will be missed dearly.
In 2016, Rob was diagnosed with a Bone Marrow Failure Disorder called MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome). MDS causes your bone marrow (what creates your blood cells – whites, reds, and platelets) to create blood cells that are immature and useless. What happened as a result of MDS, the good cells would get “clogged” out of his blood, he would get short of breath (low red cells), easily sick (low white cells), and easily bruise or bleed (low platelets). He had been getting blood work done every 3 months since his diagnosis to make sure his MDS was kept in check, or if there were more problems occurring. The only cure for MDS is a bone marrow transplant, which he was preparing to do this last Fall, with the help of his brother, Ed, being his donor.
Over this past summer, he had multiple other health concerns in which he thought the MDS was causing issues to his internal organs. He developed gout, arthritis, enlarged spleen and liver, and shortness of breath. On several occasions, he had to have blood transfusions to get his red blood cells high enough for him to breath.
As Rob and Angie continued their journey to get to the bottom of the added health issues, Rob ended up in the ER on Labor Day of this year. He had an infection causing multiple organ failures and had a massive heart attack. After being induced into a coma the first several days to make his body strong enough, they were able to do the open heart surgery Rob needed to repair the 3 blockages and valve replacement. After 2 ½ weeks in the hospital, Rob was finally well enough to go home, being considered by the hospital, the miracle patient, because of what he went through. I think we all could agree.
His healing from his heart surgery was progressing well. He recently had an appointment with his oncologist to discuss the bone marrow transplant schedule. After review, the oncologist was convinced the MDS had nothing to do with his heart attack and his heart attack had no impact on the MDS. They were planning on doing his transplant in the Spring, to give him more time to heal and regain strength.
Rob was planning on returning back to work on November 30th. He had gotten very ill overnight the prior Tuesday/Wednesday, resulting in being admitted to the hospital ICU on Wednesday morning. He lost his battle on Thanksgiving Day.
Thank you to the Lancaster General Hospital and staff for the heartfelt, amazing care you gave Rob during his time with you.
While we know he is in a truly wonderful place, the pain of losing a husband, a dad, a brother, a son, a cherished friend, and a colleague is very real. I think we can all agree he taught us many things throughout his life here on Earth. His sense of humor, his selflessness, the way he cared for others, and how he helped people - are just a few of the fabulous characteristics he showed us by example.
Rob loved his family. Angie and Hannah could use our support and help during this time of tragic loss. Please consider donating in his memory to help them with medical, funeral, and other expenses. I know it would mean a great deal to them.
Rob, you will be missed dearly.
Organizer and beneficiary
Tanya Horvath
Organizer
Ephrata, PA
Angie Boettcher
Beneficiary