Support Robert in his fight with Glioblastoma

My name is Rose and I am fundraising for my cousin Robert (AKA “Fly Guy”…”Guy in the Sky”…”Rob Valentine”…now… “Pugile” – translation for “Fighter”).

Rob’s life changed in September 2022 when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma GBM- one of the most complex, aggressive, malignant cancers of the brain. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glioblastoma

This fundraiser is to help raise money as a hand-up to Rob and his family to assist with some of the invisible expenses associated with this journey. Collectively, we can help improve Rob’s quality of life as well as help ease some unnecessary worries.

Robert is turning 60 on October 3, 2023 and I cannot think of a better way to honor and celebrate this important milestone, than by embracing and surrounding him with this gesture of love and support from friends, family, and the extended community who may have had the pleasure of knowing Fly Guy, hearing him on the radio, and experiencing his infectious energy over the years.

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More about Rob’s journey with Glioblastoma:

Rob underwent his first surgery shortly after his diagnosis in the Fall of 2022 which successfully removed 90% of the tumor. Aggressive radiation and chemotherapy followed the surgery. In April of 2023 an MRI unfortunately revealed regrowth of the tumor and within weeks Rob and his family prepared for a second complex surgery of the brain, another recovery and continued, active chemotherapy. Today marks one year from the date he was first diagnosed.

About Rob:

Rob is a devoted husband, an incredible father to three amazing young men, a wonderful sibling, uncle, new proud grandfather, cousin and friend to many. Rob spent most of his adult life working in Radio reporting traffic and is still known to, and respected by many as “Fly Guy, Guy in the Sky or Rob Valentine”. He has always been passionate about his work in radio and media-entertainment and started this interest in high school delivering the morning announcements and leading school initiatives with his powerful voice. In addition to his professional life in radio, he also: created numerous voice commercials; has been in several TV roles; was the MC for many important foundations and fundraisers and brought the joy of music as a DJ to parties, weddings, baptisms, bar mitzvah’s, milestone birthdays, etc for over 45 years.

Cancer has completely and instantly transformed this vibrant, funny, energized, passionate man and has weakened his once powerful and distinct voice. Cancer has a way of doing that, as well as exhausting the person and depleting physical, emotional and financial resources, as if the devastating journey isn’t enough.

As friends and family, we often feel helpless …We want to help but don’t know how to help the individual and family who are immersed in the endless cycle of medical appointments and emotional distress. As mentioned, this fundraiser is to help raise money as a “hand-up” to Rob and his family and to assist with some of the invisible expenses associated with this journey (i.e. transportation to and from appointments, parking, meals, medical interventions and equipment not covered, personal care support etc). The money raised is intended to help ease some unnecessary worries as well as to collectively and actively show our support and help improve Rob's quality of life.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and support. If you are comfortable, please share this GoFundMe link to others who may be interested in supporting Robert.