Robert (Bob) Novak Cancer Expenses

We are asking for help for my brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Novak, who was diagnosed with an aggressive stage of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a form of blood cancer (leukemia), in May of 2023. Bob is a true fighter facing multiple health challenges throughout his life. A few years ago, he bravely battled and survived cancer, losing one of his kidneys in the process. Now he is facing a new and even tougher battle. January of this year Bob underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant at a Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Only having a quarter of a kidney, the bone marrow transplant was a high-risk procedure. Post-transplant he was showing great signs of improvement and resilience. However, Bob is now experiencing extreme complications including loss of appetite, Edema with blisters, high fevers, high risk of infection, vomiting and uncontrollable nose bleeds as the transplant and his most recent chemotherapy treatment are destroying his remaining kidney. He is currently undergoing kidney dialysis.

These complications have made Bob’s road to recovery much more difficult and longer than expected. My sister Elaine is traveling back and forth from Scranton to Philadelphia week after week to spend time with him and ensure he is receiving proper care. However, the weekly hotel costs, parking fees and gas are becoming an extreme financial burden on top of the accruing medical bills for treatments, medication and ongoing surgeries. Once he is able to return home, Bob will require months of extensive medical care including traveling back to Philadelphia weekly for scheduled appointments and blood transfusions.

Any support is greatly appreciated. We understand some of you may be unable to donate, if you can please share this it would be appreciated. We ask that you keep Bob and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.