UPDATE 07/18/23 It is with a heavy heart that I post this update. Robbie passed away this afternoon at the Rucki Hospice House in Zephyrhills. This has been a long and difficult time for all of us. I am thankful that he is now at peace. Please keep our son in your prayers as we work through this next stage. -----------‐ Hi, my name is Deborah and the men in the photo are my son, Graydon and his father and my ex-husband, Robbie Downs. This photo, taken in May of this year, is the last photo where I can see the man he was behind those eyes. I write this asking for assistance with his end-of-life expenses. Robbie worked for a small land surveying company for 27 years which provided no benefits of any kind. Robbie had been experiencing issues with his balance and writing and went to the ER in August 2024. He received a diagnosis of Stage 4 Metastatic Lung Cancer with a tumor on his brain. He was sent to Ocala Regional, alone, where he was admitted, had brain surgery to remove the tumor and was sent home to recover, alone. He had no insurance, no sick leave, and no savings as he lived paycheck to paycheck. He was permanently disabled and has been unable to work since September 2024. Robbie was receiving treatment from Florida Cancer Specialist and was put on a chemo pill while receiving radiation on his brain and his lungs. In April of this year, he again started having balance and memory issues and was not able to write any longer. Our son took him to the ER where CT Scans and an MRI were done. The tumor was back except it was now on his brain stem and was inoperable and untreatable. The tumor has cut off the fluid circulation in his brain and the symptoms he is experiencing is due to hydrocephalus (water on the brain). He is not in any pain and will simply slip into a coma as the fluid has nowhere to go. Robbie has been living in a nursing facility since May of this year. I received the call this morning, July 17th. Robbie had a rough weekend, he has developed a high fever, is no longer eating, and is non-responsive. He was moved to Hospice House and given less than a week. Robbie's expenses are falling on our son, who is not in a position to afford the cost of cremation or the loss of his income. I am kindly requesting your help in any way you can - no contribution is too small, every little bit helps and will go a long way in alleviating some of the financial pressure faced by Graydon. Robbie has no other immediate living relatives, aside from our son. Your generous contribution and thoughtful sharing of this message are greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your kindness and support.
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