Robert Kirkpatrick Robertkirkpatrick

This website was created by Donna Malarkey (daughter) to share updates on the progress of Robert Kirkpatrick (a/k/a "dad", "Captain Kirk" etc.).  His medical journey involves Merkel Cell Carcinoma, which is a neuroendocrine carcinoma that starts in the skin (usually in areas exposed to sun), and spreads to the the organs (unfortunately, it is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that cannot be cured).  He also had serious back surgery on July 30th (lumbar laminectomy), from which he is still recovering... 

Kirk lost his wife of 63 years in June of 2020 (Marge), so his plan was to take a trip across the country with a tent on a trailer to visit all the national parks.  He had major back surgery with the hope and prayer that he could take this trip with less pain and  fulfill his dream (dad has suffered from pain all his life, exacerbated by his Rheumatoid Arthritis).  Unfortunately, he received the cancer diagnosis the same week as his surgery, so that dream had to be put on a shelf as he sought treatments to stem the effects of the cancer.  

As he's told his doctors all along - "I want to live... I'm eating healthy and exercising as much as I can under the circumstances, and I want to live each day as well as I can."   He's a fighter for sure, and some would say his rough/tough demeanor from years of being an Army Sargeant (including a tour in Vietnam) have served him well with being able to put up with a lot in order to continue to move forward.  He's always sharing his "words of wisdom" with those who cross his path, and is a joker with anyone who will listen (his humor isn't for everyone, but he tries).   He's still living in his home with his two Chihuahua's - Sweetie and Worm.  We have caretakers who stop by in the morning to get him ready for the day... again at night to help him to bed ... and in between we rely on visits from hospice (Bayada), friends, relatives and church members.  

Daughter Donna can be reached by text at 703-244-8095 or email at donna.malarkey@gmail.com.  Also, be aware that there are apps you can download to make it easier to read the updates.  On the Apple app store, you can find it as "caringbridge.org"...  Kirk's phone is 910-987-4444; he gets a ton of spam calls, so if you call and he doesn't answer, it may be that he's just screening the call, but if you leave a voicemail, he should get back to you.  He doesn't text - he just has a "dumb" flip phone.  

How you can help:  
He's still seeking old issues of Guidepost magazines, if you know anyone who has some... If you have old photos of dad you want to share, be sure to send them to Donna for posting.  His neighbor, Xan, walks the dog every day, but if anyone else wants to help with walks, they always appreciate it (especially the treat they receive when they return).  

We certainly appreciate all the love and prayers that are coming his way.   He feels blessed for sure.   Click on the Journal Link above to see updates and view the comments from site visitors.