Stand with Rob: Surgery and Financial Aid

Hello. My name is Carolynn Russell and I'm mom to an amazing son, brother, father, and friend, Rob Russell (35 years old). Rob has had a hard life since he was a baby. He's had a liver transplant, kidney transplant, his lower left lobe of his lung removed, and on Thursday, is having his second open-heart surgery.

I've come out to stay with him and help him with his recovery. While he does have health insurance, he is self-employed. He gets no vacation or sick time paid to him. With this latest surgery, he will be out of work and can't even drive for at least 6-8 weeks.

Rob is a self-employed videographer. Since he won't be able to drive, work is not possible during his recovery. His daughter, Reagan, is his world. He does everything for her! And although I'm prejudiced, she's the best granddaughter anyone could ask for, which is a testament to her parents for raising her with a caring, compassionate heart.

While the surgery is a concern, our biggest concern is whether his one kidney will survive the operation. If it doesn't make it through the operation, he will have to add dialysis to his regimen of medicines, which is not ideal but would buy him time until he can have another kidney transplant.

So I'm making this GoFundMe post to help him with his upcoming rent, car payment, and other necessary bills. While his father and I can help somewhat, we can't pay for it all. This is California, which is an expensive state, so we are asking for help from family and friends.

I know that this month is a time of giving and being grateful for all you have - friends, family, and co-workers. I am truly grateful for my world and all that it contains. If you can find it in your heart to help, then thank you from the bottom of my heart. Any amount will help and keep him from worrying about paying his bills while he recovers.

Yesterday was my birthday and my only wish I have is for my son to feel well again, since he now has no energy to make it through the day. A big thanks to all that can contribute. If you can't contribute, that's fine too. I appreciate the prayers and love you send to me and my son!

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!