"One hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, how big my house was, or what kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little better, because I was important in the life of a child." ~Forest Witcraft
Robert E. LaSalle was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell cancer in his stomach and liver on December 15, 2009. In April 2010 during diagnostic testing to determine the effectiveness of his treatment for small cell cancer a second primary cancer called Esophageal adenocarcinoma was discovered. Initially Robert & Becky made the trip to Tulsa, OK for chemo treatments every 21 days for 3 to 5 days of chemo however his treatment plan changed with the discovery of the second cancer. His new treatment plan called for TOMO Therapy (a specialized form of radiation therapy) 5 days a week for 33 treatments plus chemo and Herceptin therapy weekly for the duration of the radiation treatments. On November 2nd Robert had surgery to have his stomach and part of his esophagus removed in an attempt to stop the spread of the adenocarcinoma. Robert was in ICU for a few days following the surgery and then was moved to a regular room for several more days. The recovery from the surgery was harder than anyone imagined it would be. Robert was eventually put on a feeding pump and finding a formula that would work was a challenge. In December 2010 a CT scan was performed to check placement of the feeding tube and while the tube was okay there were new tumors found in Robert's liver. The largest tumor (at that time) was the size of a quarter and was close to the inferior vena cava (a main vein). Robert has since been hospitalized numerous times with pneumonia, malnutrition, C-Diff, nutropenia, MRSA, dehydration and had the original feeding tube removed and a new one placed in a different location. Robert has had 53 chemotherapy treatments using 6 different chemotherapy drugs, 33 TOMO radiation treatments, 5 SBRT treatments, 7 Herceptin treatments, numerous blood transfusions, surgeries and reconstruction. Robert receives IV fluids as well as white blood cell building shots at home. Robert continues treatment at Baylor Cancer Center in Dallas to battle the beast.
Robert and Becky have been married for 29 years and are the parents of Melissa, Bobby, and Emily and grandparents to Shay, Edisyn & twin grandsons AJ & Gavin. They are the "parent-in-laws" of Abbey (Stark) LaSalle. Robert and Becky are long time residents of Gainesville, Texas. Robert has been an administrator and/or coach for Cooke County Soccer Association, AYSO 1434, Boys Baseball of Cooke County, and The Boys & Girls Club. Robert coached soccer with CCSA and AYSO for over 18 years. He has coached literally hundreds of children in soccer, baseball and t-ball over the years. Robert was voted the Clorox National Volunteer of the Year in 2008 by US Youth Soccer and AYSO National. Robert served in the Army from 1980-1983 and served overseas in Korea for 16 months of that time. He was a member of the Gainesville Planning and Zoning board, was a member of the local Citizen’s Police Academy and even ran for City Council at one time. However, Robert's true love has always been youth sports and he has given so much of himself to the children in our community through administering soccer programs, coaching youth sports teams and being a mentor both on an off the field. Robert was employed at Mayday Manufacturing in Denton, TX until he had to go on SSDI. He had 9 months of treatment at The Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Robert was in treatment at Simmons Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX for almost a year. In order to seek new treatment options Robert is currently under the care of Dr. Carlos Becerra at Baylor Cancer Center in Dallas, TX.
Robert has been unable to work and on disability since mid-2010. Becky was an in-home childcare provider for 27 years however, Robert's oncologist advised shutting down the daycare due to the chemo compromising Robert's immune system. With great sadness the daycare was closed the first week of January 2010. She continues to care for Robert daily at home. Currently Robert is proving to the world that he really is Superman. He continues to battle the beast and fight with all he has to live his life.
Robert, Becky and the kids have been so very blessed by family and friends, far and wide, who have been praying for Robert. They have also been blessed by the many contributions that have helped the family to be able to continue treatment . Please see information below if you would like to make a contribution to Robert's benefit account.
Robert and Becky have been married for 29 years and are the parents of Melissa, Bobby, and Emily and grandparents to Shay, Edisyn & twin grandsons AJ & Gavin. They are the "parent-in-laws" of Abbey (Stark) LaSalle. Robert and Becky are long time residents of Gainesville, Texas. Robert has been an administrator and/or coach for Cooke County Soccer Association, AYSO 1434, Boys Baseball of Cooke County, and The Boys & Girls Club. Robert coached soccer with CCSA and AYSO for over 18 years. He has coached literally hundreds of children in soccer, baseball and t-ball over the years. Robert was voted the Clorox National Volunteer of the Year in 2008 by US Youth Soccer and AYSO National. Robert served in the Army from 1980-1983 and served overseas in Korea for 16 months of that time. He was a member of the Gainesville Planning and Zoning board, was a member of the local Citizen’s Police Academy and even ran for City Council at one time. However, Robert's true love has always been youth sports and he has given so much of himself to the children in our community through administering soccer programs, coaching youth sports teams and being a mentor both on an off the field. Robert was employed at Mayday Manufacturing in Denton, TX until he had to go on SSDI. He had 9 months of treatment at The Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Robert was in treatment at Simmons Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX for almost a year. In order to seek new treatment options Robert is currently under the care of Dr. Carlos Becerra at Baylor Cancer Center in Dallas, TX.
Robert has been unable to work and on disability since mid-2010. Becky was an in-home childcare provider for 27 years however, Robert's oncologist advised shutting down the daycare due to the chemo compromising Robert's immune system. With great sadness the daycare was closed the first week of January 2010. She continues to care for Robert daily at home. Currently Robert is proving to the world that he really is Superman. He continues to battle the beast and fight with all he has to live his life.
Robert, Becky and the kids have been so very blessed by family and friends, far and wide, who have been praying for Robert. They have also been blessed by the many contributions that have helped the family to be able to continue treatment . Please see information below if you would like to make a contribution to Robert's benefit account.
Fundraisers have been moved to their own tab (see above).
Please click on the "Fundraisers" tab to view current fundraisers and/or order bracelets.
To follow Robert's progress please click on the "Follow Robert's Progress" tab at the top of the page.
Please click on the "Fundraisers" tab to view current fundraisers and/or order bracelets.
To follow Robert's progress please click on the "Follow Robert's Progress" tab at the top of the page.
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To Donate to Robert's Benefit Account via Paypal Please Click the Button Below: ***************************************** If you would like to make a monetary donation directly to the benefit account please send it to: First State Bank 801 E California St Gainesville, TX 76240 940-665-1711 Please make sure you let them know its for the Robert E. LaSalle benefit account. 
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 He IS our Superman! Additional Resources:Friends Of LaSalle Family - A group of people who want to help Becky and Rob, and the kids. This group organizes the Cyber Fundraiser as well as many other practical forms of assistance.
LaSalle Benefit Organizers - This group consists of the planning committee for fundraisers to benefit Robert E. LaSalle in his fight against esophageal cancer. This group is made up of local volunteers who are the man power behind physical fundraisers. Robert LaSalle - This is Robert's personal facebook page... feel free to leave him some words of encouragement!  |
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For the love you have shown
To each of you who continue to pray for us and support us with kind words, thoughtful deeds, and generous donations we offer our sincerest appreciation. Thank you for being OUR hero!
