At 36 years old, Kipling’s Bobby Byrnell received the devastating news – he has cancer.
The thyroid was affecting his metabolism, he was always really tired, but one chalks this up to working long hours and he couldn’t quite put his finger on what was wrong. He was losing weight, gaining weight and so on. This went on for quite some time.
After many doctor’s appointments, Byrnell was told he had thyroid cancer in late October 2020 and had his first surgery in February. He has also recently had the diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma in his lymph nodes and possibly in his lungs. Being independent business owners, Byrnell and his wife will need as much help as they can get during this tough time.
“I thought they got it all but was told this latest diagnosis is a very aggressive type of cancer,” Byrnell explains.
Byrnell was scheduled to go for more tests this week, including a CT scan and a PET scan.
“It’s been very frustrating for me,” explains Byrnell as he talks about the waiting time on when these tests will be done.
“By all means I’m not giving up!” says a positive thinking Byrnell, and adds: “I know I’m going to be able to beat this! I just want to know how severe things are…how has it spread?”
“The wonderful thing about 2020 (and 2021) is that there are some groundbreaking medical advances out there,” comments Byrnell.
He also made the tough decision to explain all the health issues to his two young daughters.
“It was really hard. That’s something they’re going to have to work through. It’s going to be a struggle for them,” says Byrnell.
In a Facebook post, it was noted Byrnell hastouched the hearts of many through his experiences with Fire and Rescue, maintaining the ice for our skaters and hockey teams, fixing everything and anything around town and always doing it with a smile.
“Bobby, his wife Bridgette and beautiful daughters Olivia and Shayla have been a big part of the Kipling and area communities for several years. Bobby has been a push in our community since he stepped foot here, helping to support those around him in their times of need.
“Bobby has always been a selfless man,” says good friend Perry Hubbard. “He wears his heart on his sleeve … quick to anger … quick to tears.”
“He would do and does anything for anyone at any time,” said Hubbard.
“That’s why we felt it was a good idea to start a GoFundMe page for Bobby and his family,” explains Hubbard. “A total of $12,000 was raised in only 24 hours.”
With huge support from Gee Bee Construction and Alan Batters, the Paperclip Cottage will be hosting a community fundraiser on March 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to support Bobby and Bridgette and their girls. This will be take-out and delivery only due to COVID.
The cottage will be serving homemade chili and a bun and dessert, or chicken and dumpling stew with a bun and dessert. The price for the meal will be $15 and 100 per cent of the proceeds will go directly to helping a man who has done so much for the community.
Come out and help make things just a little easier for Bobby Byrnell and his fight with cancer.
A good friend is currently working on a page for an online auction and is asking for donations by way of items, services, handmade creations and anything that could help raise funds for this beautiful family by March 10. Please send a private message to Darcie Khounnoraj with a picture of your item and a description. This page should be up and running as soon as possible and items will be up for bid, tentatively starting March 12.
Bobby and his family have tremendous support from the community.
“It’s been super overwhelming for me and my family,” comments Byrnell. “I appreciate all the support!”
“It’s not easy and I’m going to push really hard,” says Byrnell. “It’s going to be a tough challenge. I appreciate everything. It’s unbelievable … all the support. I really appreciate everything very much!”
A GoFundMe page was started for Bobby and his family. To date, $13,395 has been raised of a $20,000 goal.
To donate, please go to GoFundMe.com and search Bobby Byrnell. Donations can also be left with Perry or Debbie Hubbard who are trustees of the account.
