Support Bobby and his Family in this time of need

This fund raiser is for our dear neighbor and friend struck with an unthinkable tragedy that changed everything he cherished in life. On the last Sunday morning of October, 2022, while getting ready for church, Robert Kwak, a father to a 12-year old son (now 14) and a husband, collapsed and became a quadriplegic. He was paralyzed below his neck.

His spinal cord injury was at the very high levels of C2 and C3. These injuries caused disabilities including limited range of motion loss of diaphragm function, paralysis in arms, hands, torso and legs, and no control of bladder and bowel functions. Doctors hoped, after the surgery to relieve pressure in his spinal cord, he would immediately regain some movements in his body. This did not happen. The family was told to expect a long journey with no assurance for any kind of future state to anticipate.

Initially he couldn’t breathe on his own, so an opening was surgically created through the neck into the trachea (windpipe), and a tube was inserted through it to provide an airway and to remove secretions from the lungs. It was the darkest times of his life that seemed hopeless. He clung to the love of God and his family and friends to get through each day and night.

Eventually, he was able to breathe on his own and began Physical and Occupational therapies. He worked hard with every ounce of energy he had. More than anything in the world, he wanted to get back on his feet and start working so he could provide for his family. As a CPA, his job required the use of a computer. The hospital worked with him so he could learn to use the computer somehow. Since his brain was not impacted by the injury, if he could use his mouse, they believed he would be able to work especially with the devices that are available.

After four months in the hospital, he came home and started a day program going to the hospital for therapies five days a week. By the grace of the Lord, by the time he was released from the hospital, he could place his right hand on a mouse, and one finger moved enough that he could click a mouse. And, with the help of a voice command device, he was able to get back to work. His company was very supportive and allowed him to work from home. His office was set up at home with special equipment he needed, and he started working. He was very grateful and began feeling hopeful.

Everything took so much longer, 5-10 times, but he worked nonstop, seven days a week to get his job done. He was just so grateful for being able to provide for his family. Although, he still couldn’t do anything on his own, he was able to walk a little with assistance by the time one-year mark rolled around. Everyone was hopeful that some day he would be able to live an independent life.

But then, things turned worse. In November, 2023, he had a stroke.

Doctors found he had brain damage behind the right eye. His left side, which was progressing better was completely paralyzed once again. Due to his underlying spinal cord injury, his right side regressed as well. His vision is also affected requiring him to wear special glasses, which seem to help a little, but he is still not able to see normally.

The most devastating result is that, in addition to paralyzed body, he now has cognitive disabilities. He is not able to pay attention to details and process information the way he used to. So, he no longer is able to work.

He is currently receiving long-term disability benefits that does not quite cover their financial requirements including mortgage payments and hospital bills. The family’s hope is that he will get well enough to go back to work someday soon. He is working very hard and doing whatever he can to get there as soon as possible. Until then, they have a financial gap they cannot fill on their own. His wife cannot work because Robert needs constant care as he cannot do anything for himself, and they cannot afford to get help. Their ultimate wish is that their 14-year old son continues to grow without being impacted too much by this horrible situation.

Thank you for reading Robert’s story. We would be grateful for any support you can provide.