Event benefits man diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer
When the call went out for help, friends, relatives and those who have come to know Robert Beams during the 30 years he’s lived in Flagler Beach with his wife, Marlene, they showed up on Saturday to show their “Love for Beamer” at Tortugas’ Florida Kitchen & Bar.
A cancer diagnosis almost always comes as a shock. And going from being an able-bodied man who was a top salesman, a Bunnell bar owner and, most recently, a familiar face for those who visit the Flagler Beach Pier’s bait shop to life in a wheelchair has been a big adjustment for Beams and his family.
It began last year when Beams began having trouble walking. A feeling of paralysis in his hands eventually led to the fusion of vertebrae in his neck, and the discovery of stage 4 colon cancer in November 2017 that had spread to 40 percent of his liver and into his lungs. The rapid progression of the illness has pushed his family, including his daughter Ashley Beams, into overdrive as the family attempts to cope with the challenges that come with a traumatic illness.
With the loss of Robert’s income, Marle Beams, his wife of 40 years, stepped up to support the family, putting her husband on her insurance, taking on the sole responsibility of mortgage payments for the home the couple purchased a little over a year ago, and being the primary caregiver for the man she said she has loved since she was 15 years old.
Beams has always been a giver within the community, according to his daughter, and he was reluctant to ask for help. But as the medical bills from chemotherapy and three stints in the intensive care unit began rolling in, he relented.
Teaming up with her cousin Danielle Mason and family friend Tonya Gifford, the trio set about doing what they can to help. They set up a "Love for Beamer" GoFundMe account and began organizing Saturday’s benefit fundraiser.
Decked out in black T-shirts with a "Love for Beamer" heart-shaped logo, guests arrived, purchasing 50/50 drawing tickets, bidding on silent auction items, and spending time with the Beams family.
“So many people love him — he’s been here for 30 years — so many people wanted to help but didn’t know how, so we decided on the benefit,” said Ashley Beams.
Robert Beams is taking the opportunity to live every moment to the fullest during his fight and he said he's thankful for the love and support of the community.
“My whole family is amazing,” he said. “I didn’t expect this kind of turnout, and there are no words for it. I’m blessed.”
To learn more, visit gofundme.com/love-for-beamer.