Community Rallies Around Cancer-Stricken Stamford Paramedic

STAMFORD, CT — Veteran Stamford Paramedic Bob Kohler was on vacation with his family recently when he and his daughter were injured in an accident. Little did he know that that stroke of bad luck would lead to a life-altering discovery.

During medical tests for the injury, doctors discovered that Kohler also had Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare form of cancer that is believed to only affect 6 percent of Lymphoma patients. It affects the blood and lymphs, and it is aggressive and incurable. But with strong treatments, many of those patients can live in remission for years.

To help Kohler and his family - who live in Katonah, NY - with his fight, a GoFundMe page was established late last year by Terry Gottlieb on behalf of Kathryn Gottlieb-Kohler, Bob's wife. As of today, Feb. 1, the effort has raised $27,445 toward a goal of $50,000.

"As a medic, he is known in Stamford for his serious side in caring for patients and his humorous side for helping to keep spirits light in a very tough job," wrote Gottlieb on GoFundMe. "In Katonah, he is known for his participation in town and local school activities. At home, he is a great dad to Andrew and Elizabeth and husband to Kathy.

"Please consider donating (whatever is comfortable, no contribution is too small) to help defray the costs of Bob's care and treatment. With incredibly high hospital expenses and treatment co-pays, and his inability to work, the burden weighs very heavy on his mind at a time where he needs to be focused on beating Mantle Cell Lymphoma."

To view the GoFundMe page for Bob Kohler, click here.

Photo of Stamford Paramedic Bob Kohler via GoFundMe