Robbie Zablosky is living an extraordinary life, one that’s unfolded across the rugged Northwest, starting in Hope, British Columbia, where he was born. For 40 years, he’s worked as a tramp miner, chasing veins of ore through Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, California, Washington, and Utah, his hands and heart shaped by the earth itself. An avid hunter and fisherman, Robbie moves through the wild, as at home with animals as he is helping anyone in need. His boundless generosity and love for life light up everyone around him, leaving stories as vibrant as the mountains he roams
Colton Zablosky and his dad, Robbie, have always been the kind of people who would do absolutely anything for anyone. But now, after nearly a year of Robbie battling a relentless cancer, they’re the ones who need support. What began as a mysterious lump in Robbie’s throat has escalated into a fight for his life—one that’s drained them emotionally, physically, and financially. I’m launching this Help Hope Live campaign because they can’t face this alone anymore, and I believe there’s a compassionate community out there ready to help.
It started March 22, 2024, two days after losing their dog, Mojo, when Robbie found a lump in his neck. It took doctors a month to diagnose Robbie with squamous cell cancer of the throat. By May 2024, a tumor the size of a cheeseburger was choking him, and he underwent major surgery to remove it. Colton left his job at a drill company to be by his side, becoming Robbie’s full-time caregiver through every grueling step. Radiation burned Robbie’s throat so badly he couldn’t swallow, needing a feeding tube. Chemo wrecked his body, forcing them to stop after a few rounds. They fought hard, and after 35 radiation sessions and a brutal recovery, they got a brief glimmer of hope—until a scan showed the cancer had spread to his lung.
Since December, it’s been a new nightmare: double chemo doses, immunotherapy, and intense “quad shot” radiation rounds. Robbie’s lost his hair, endures unbearable pain, and recently landed in the ER with breathing issues so severe he needed a tracheostomy and another feeding tube. Just this month, doctors found the cancer likely started in his larynx, hidden all along, spreading silently to his lungs. A PET scan on April 1st will decide what’s next, but Colton and Robbie are exhausted—unsure if they can face more chemo or radiation. They’re turning to Holistic and Alternative options like RSO and Essiac Tea. Energy Healers, Sound therapies, Special Lymphatic Massage, and Acupuncture. They’ll need home upgrades like air and water purifiers, and home modifications for ease of use to give Robbie a fighting chance.
This battle has drained them. Hundreds of appointments, weeks in hospitals, and mounting bills have bankrupted Colton and are closing in on Robbie’s savings. Colton hasn’t slept properly in months, juggling meds and care, while Robbie’s strength fades. They need help—your help—to cover medical costs, replace lost income, and afford the essentials keeping Robbie comfortable.
Every donation through Help Hope Live goes directly to verified medical and living expenses, and it’s tax-deductible for you. Whether it’s $5 or $50, you’re giving Robbie a shot at more time and Colton the support to keep going. Please join me in standing by them—share their story, donate what you can, and let’s lift them up together. Thank you.
Diagnosis and Initial Treatment (March–May 2024)
Diagnosis: After a month of testing, doctors diagnosed Robbie with squamous cell cancer of the throat in April 2024. No primary source appeared on the initial PET scan.
Surgery (May 15, 2024): Underwent major surgery to remove a tumor that grew from a lump to the size of a cheeseburger in just two months.
First Round of Treatment (June–August 2024)
Radiation: Began early June, with 35 treatments (5 days a week) targeting the head and neck. It burned Robbie’s throat so severely he couldn’t swallow, necessitating an emergency G-tube (feeding tube) in his stomach.
Chemotherapy: Received weekly Cisplatin (platinum-based), but stopped after 3–4 sessions due to severe lab results; radiation continued.
Additional Surgery: A port was placed in his jugular vein pre-chemo for drug delivery.
Recovery: The G-tube was used for about a month and removed by August as Robbie resumed normal eating. The port was also removed due to infection.
Break: A 3-month recovery period followed to heal from treatment effects.
Cancer Progression and Second Round (December 2024–Present)
PET Scan (November 2024): Showed the treated throat area cleared, but cancer had spread to Robbie’s right lung.
Second Treatment (Started December 2024):
Chemotherapy: Combination of Carboplatin (platinum-based), Paclitaxel (yew tree-derived), and Keytruda (immunotherapy to enhance immune response), given every 3 weeks. Robbie’s completed 4–5 sessions.
Radiation: “Quad shots” (twice daily for two consecutive days, every 3 weeks). He’s had 3–4 rounds.
Effects: More severe than the first round—hair loss after initial doses, extreme body pain, and every symptom imaginable.
Recent Complications (March 2025)
Emergency Visits: Early March brought swelling and breathing issues, leading to an ER visit and ongoing hospital stay. Robbie required a Tracheostomy and a second G-tube placement.
CAT Scan (March 4, 2025): Doctors recently identified the larynx (voice box) as the likely original cancer source, previously undetected on scans or during surgeries. Cancer likely spread from the larynx to lymph nodes, nerve tissues, and lungs.
Next Steps: A PET scan on April 1st, 2025, will guide oncologists’ future plans. Robbie and Colton remain undecided on further chemo or radiation.
Holistic Plans and Lifestyle Changes
Robbie is embracing a range of natural treatments, including RSO, Essiac Tea, and other holistic approaches to support his healing. To create a healthier home environment, we’re ordering air purifiers and an adjustable bed frame, scheduling professional house, furnace, and duct cleaning, and implementing water filtration, a new diet, and ongoing cleaning efforts. We’re also planning house renovations, including installing a walk-in shower, to restore Robbie’s access and independence, helping him navigate his space with greater ease and dignity.
Impact on Colton and Robbie
Financial Strain: Hundreds of doctor appointments, weeks in hospitals, and treatment costs have bankrupted Colton and are depleting Robbie’s finances.
Physical and Emotional Toll: Months without proper sleep, navigating countless medications, and determining what helps versus what harms have left them exhausted
Family and friends of Robbie Zablosky are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a Catastrophic Illness. Robbie has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.
