THIS web site was started as a fundraising site to assist rob munchbach in his quest to receive a heart transplant. When Rob was in his early thirties he was stricken by a virus that attacked his heart. He defied the odds and doctor's expectations and made an amazing recovery and went back to his career as a merchant mariner and to his favorite athletic pursuits of rugby and surfing. some years later he became ill with cancer. He successfully beat the cancer with treatment but his heart was further weakened in the process. He was no longer "fit for Duty" to continue driving ships but he fought to continue surfing and supporting his rugby brothers by working out with them. Rob's family and friends undertook a series of fundraising activities to help raise money for a transplant.
sadly, rob passed away on December 4th, 2012. an ongoing jeep raffle fundraiser was changed to have the proceeds go towards a college fund for Rob's son austin. Thank you to all who donated, volunteered, supported and prayed for Rob throughout his journey. he was very grateful for the outpouring of Love and support he received from friends and the community. this web site is still being maintained and includes photos from the fundraising events as well as info for anyone still wishing to make donations towards rob's son's college fund. check out the photo gallery and the donation tab.
In the photo below, PROCEEDS FROM the JEEP RAFFLE are delivered to austin and krissy! Thanks again to everyone for all the support!!
The winning JEEP RAFFLE ticket was drawn April 6, 2013 at the Savannahs Golf Course on north Merritt Island after a fun Golf Tournament in support of the Rob Munchbach Fund. All proceeds from the tournament and drawing will go to a fund for Rob's son. The winner of the Jeep is Kathy Barrerre. Thank You to everyone who supported the fundraising efforts for Rob over the past year.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200919837183276
Rob Munchbach is a 42 year-old resident of Merritt Island Florida who needs a heart transplant due to heart disease. He is a 1993 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY and a 1988 graduate of Rockledge High School. Rockledge, FL. He spent much of his youth growing up in the Panama Canal Zone. Here is his story in his own words.
Dear Friends,
If you lived a life like mine you likely wouldn't have many regrets or complaints. After an exciting career driving everything from surfboards to supertankers as a boat driver, I have a cozy home on a tranquil island near surfing and close to a local rugby club. But my one complaint would be: " Boy is all this stuff expensive." and I'm not just talking about milk and gas.
You see, I'm receiving some hefty bills in the mail, courtesy of a poorly dealt hand. In my hand, cards include Congestive Heart Failure, Rectal Cancer, and now a Heart Transplant. The doctors theorize that a virus caused the infection that has destroyed my heart, and now it needs to be replaced. It is also possible that the chemo from the cancer did some damage, too, so you see I have proven tough enough to beat ass cancer, but honestly, I could really use your help to survive my next battle, the heart transplant. The procedure itself will occur at Shands at the University of Florida - a really great medical facility with some very sharp, eager, and capable physicians. When is a bit of a question still, as I have reacted postively to my IV drug, Milrinone. This is but one of the expensive medicines I will need for the rest of my life. Some of it is covered by insurance; a lot of it is not.
We will be having numerous fundraising events in our Space Coast community including my extended Canal Zonian familia at reunions and festivals for some time. This support will go directly to offset the above mentioned extreme costs of drug treatments, deposits required before procedures, insurance premiums, and other unforseen costs. As a sponsor of this event, we will place your company's name / logo on event t-shirts as well as any correspondence / signage associated with this event. We will typically anticipate that 250 people in our community will be reached through their participation or attendance at each fundraiser.
Thank you so very much for your consideration and support.
Very Sincerely Yours,
Rob Munchbach
