Robert 'Hump" Harper, 48 years old, lives in Huntington, WV. On March 4, 2013 he was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma (aka Kidney Cancer) which has spread to his lung. THE FIGHT IS ON!!!!

This is a fundraising campaign for my brother, Robert "Hump" Harper.  My heart is very heavy while I write this and although it has been over a year since his diagnosis, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that my brother has renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) which has spread to his lung.  Those words have the same effect today as they did on March 4, 2013 - the date when his kidney was removed. Knowing that Robert is going through the pain and suffering brought on by this disease is heartbreaking.  

Since his diagnosis and surgery, he lost his full-time job.  His job tried to keep his position open for him, but unfortunately, they could not.  He tried to work part-time with the company (12-15 hours per week) and did so for a while.  His chemo treatment makes him very fatigue and he is unable to work, and as a result of chemo he is adversely affected by both too hot and too cold temperatures. The income that he receives is not enough to cover his monthly expenses.  He lives alone so there is no other income coming into his home.  His furnace broke recently, and he does not have the money to get it fixed, therefore, he has no heat or air.  He travels to Columbus, OH to visit the doctors at Ohio Medical Center for his chemotherapy follow ups. He has to rent a car for these trips, due to much needed repairs, his car is not reliable for these distance trips (at least 250 miles round trip)  He struggles to return the rental car the next day so that he does not get charged for an additional day.  He is trying very hard to be self-sufficient, but the financial stress is weighing him down.  If he can focus on getting better and not about his financial situation, it would be a positive step in the right direction.  

Our family has been diligent over the past year in helping him with his expenses. Since the downturn of the economy, some family members have lost their jobs, getting paid sparingly or not able to assist due to financial challenges of their own. These things have taken a financial toll on the family.

Robert has a positive spirit, and he is praying and fighting to get better.   His faith and courage are amazing!  I would hate to see his financial struggle put him in a depressed state.  We don't want him giving up. This is why I have created this campaign to ask for your help.  I am reaching out to those who will have compassion for my brother.  He is an exceptional man...always there for everyone else.  He is a very caring person and will go the extra mile to help someone else. I can't remember a time when you asked him for anything that he didn't do it.

Thank you for your help, prayers and support.  Robert will be amazed by the number of people, those who know him and those who don't that are willing to help him.  We will continue to keep you up to date on Robert's progress.