Message from Rob
The following message was dictated to me yesterday while visiting Rob at the hospital. I recorded the message on my phone, and the following is the transcription of his message:
Dear friends,
As all of you know i suffered a devastating injury while participating in an activity that has given me great joy for many years. While on a rapid descent on a hill in Chautauqua County, I accidentally found myself in the ditch and wiped out at what most people would consider a too rapid rate of speed. I suffered a devastating fracture of my C7 vertebral body and transection of my spinal cord at T7 with a lesser, hopefully less permanent, injury to my spinal cord at C4-6. I have had superb care at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, including a spectacular neurosurgery team, nurses, physical therapists, trauma staff and others. I have also been nourished by the love and support of my family and friends, not to mention my co-workers.
I can honestly say I had no idea there were so many people who cared about my well-being and it has been an incredible source of support for me. I am making progress. Slow and painful at times, but steady and I have no intention of giving up. I will be back at work as soon as possible and will do everything I can to be worthy of the love and support of all of those who have reached out to me during this time. My choices are simple: i can either wallow in self-pity, or I can accept things as they are and move forward in a positive direction, and by now hopefully you can have no doubt that the latter will be my choice. I love you all more than you can imagine and more than I have been able to express but know that your support and love means everything to me.
-Rob
Comments (72)
I love that fighting spirit! That's the guy we know and love! You may not think of it everyday, but we are all behind you.
Your attitude is inspirational! We are all going to do whatever we can to help you move forward. Kyler Strong!!!
What an inspiration you are, Rob! We are all praying for your rehab and recovery.
That's the Rob we know! You will be an inspiration to others and your positive attitude, the love of family and friends, will take you far. We continue our good thoughts and prayers since we learned of your accident. You and family are never far from our thoughts.
Hold fast, Rob!
What a great attitude! Hoping that you have a successful rehab and recovery leading to a productive next stage of your career and life. The next time I'm in the valley get around to looking you up.
So great to hear, all of us are rooting for you, Rob!
We are oall keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I would not expect anything less than a positive attitude from you Boss! So thankful to have been part of your team for the last 13 years. Can’t wait to see you! Keep them on their toes there, I know you will!
Your attitude and positive thoughts are so inspiring! We know you got this! 🙏🙏🙏
Rob and Nancy, Unfortunately, there is little I can do for you now except keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know how much you loved to bike, Rob and especially with your biking buddies at CHQ. Even though it was hard, I got on my bike and road to Luensman one of your favorite places. There I looked at the sky and felt your spirit. You both have so many good people surrounding you now. My mother was in Hammitt for several weeks after a severe fall years ago. She too received the best care. You are in caring hands. Nancy Schrader
We are all behind you Rob. Sending lots of love! Cindy
Dr. Kyler- I am so sorry to hear about your accident. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on your journey ahead. What an inspiration you are!
Let the healing thoughts embrace you. Have been thinking of you nonstop since we heard of your accident. You have a wonderful family who will watch over you. Love and hugs❤️
Your attitude should be an inspiration to all! You are in my and Rodney's thoughts. Your words should remind us all to let those we care about know it on a regular basis. Sending healing energy your way! xx Roslyn
While my heart breaks for you and your family, I also know the power of prayer, amazing doctors, and love that will get you through the toughest of days. You have been there through mine as a patient and please know you are and will continue to be in my prayers. Much love, Your working shepherd patient, Stephanie Akens
Yeah, Rob! You brought happy tears to my eyes. I knew you weren’t a quitter and would turn this situation upside down to become an incredible source of inspiration to all those around you! I am so proud of you, Friend!
We are all with you!
Hang in there, Rob......thoughts with you and your family.
This news is so hard to read here in Montana where we were together so many times. We are all here for support Come to Atlanta Ben🐶 and I have a big house in town plenty of room Gene Harper 540 578 2787
Oh Rob. There are no words We love you
Love that positive spirit Rob. Please know that all of your CHQ friends are sending you and Nancy prayers and encouragement.
Rob, please remember our conversation recently about my grandson, Parker. As you recall, he was recently diagnosed with lymphoma and underwent five grueling months of intense chemo. His daily lessons to us are found on his Facebook page- Prayers for Parker. He has taught us so much about courage, strength and perseverance. When you find yourself needing a reminder of God's grace through a child's innocence, take a moment and read his page. We are all pulling for you and have no doubt that you, like Parker, will make lemonade out of these lemons!
God Bless my friend, we are praying and cheering for you! Emily and Dave
Rob, your very positive attitude is truly inspiring.
Rob, After learning of your physical injuries, I am reassured to hear in your message that your strength, determination and attitude of mindfulness that I have come to know and admire is still shining forth loud and clear. I will continue to send meditations of healing, loving kindness and wellness to you and your family. Harry and I are committed to supporting “Team Rob” and are cheering you on!
Rob, we are all pulling for you. I shared a piece with Karl (on Messenger) that I hope he will read to you at some point when he finds it. It’s been truly remarkable to see how you three boys pulled together when your mother died, and now to see your entire family surrounding you with so much love and support. The outer circles are here to support the inner ones. We all have a job to do in the service of your recovery, rehabilitation and the reframing of a life that is so worth living. Love, Enid
Dr. K, your attitude and determination are amazing! As you have encouraged your patients, please know they are all supporting and encouraging you in this journey to recovery!
I have been trying to think of words to say to comfort you and your words comforted me!! Imagine that! :) You have always been and always will be a class act. Lifting you and your family up in thought and prayer. Stay strong! xoxoTanya
Thinking of you and your family during this time. Continue to hold on to that positive attitude!
Rob, Just heard. I'm so sorry. Please let me know if I can do anything, even if it just listening. Prayers. Doug Lane
Dear Rob, Though there may be many challenges ahead, we know that you will thrive and conquer them with the same drive and determination that has carried you this far. We are sending love and thinking of you constantly and looking forward to bringing you down here for some sunshine, salt air, and maybe a few Swedish meatballs like the ones we made at Sandbridge in 1989! We love you and your wonderful and supportive family. John and Charlotte
Dr Kyler, at your and my workplace - we all know that your positive, never give up spirit is what will get you back to us. We think and pray for you endlessly. We support you and look forward to the day that you come through those doors. Many thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Keep posting !!
Dear Rob, Theo and I love your message and the courage and fight contained within it. We are with you. We never did get together a session in the garage with the band, but I say ROCK ON ANYWAY!!!!! Dusty and Theo
Strength to you and yours. Positivity waves coming your way. Krista
Theres that positive attitude I know. Keeping you in my constant prayers.
Rob and family, thinking of you and praying for you.
All of Sherwood Avenue is cheering you on, kind sir! Hear us? Roger and Kennon Bowen
Just posted under posts, but wanted to send more, in case you see this one first! Rob, I've been rooting for you every day since I heard. I know you'll have a new cocktail (preferably something strong!), a challenging exercise plan and a way to see the stars, no matter what. Lots of love, Ellen
Let's have a little talk about your "having no idea" about all this love and support one day... you're one of my favorite people and you are totally worthy of it!!! And as I said on instagram, THIS is the best thing I've heard or read in 5 days. Keep that spirit!
Rob and Nancy, We are so very sorry to hear about the accident. Our prayers will be with all of you during your road to recovery. We love you all very much and are here for you anytime you need anything. Tough times don't last; Tough people do! Love and Strength sent your way, Kristen Leslie Gardner and the entire Leslie/Gardner crew.
I never underestimate the power of positive thinking! You inspire us all and we are proud of your wonderful attitude and inspirational bravery!! Jane and Ross
Dr. Kyler, we have been thinking of you and praying for you nonstop. Keep up the high spirit; we know you are a great fighter and you can do it! Hope you have a successful rehab and recovery! We are here waiting for you to come back to work soon! Sending you lots of love, Wendy
Dr Kyler, thinking of you , I know you will fight with everything you have and turn this into something positive in every way possible! I am glad to hear you are getting good care, stay strong and know people admire and love you! Deb Clark
What grit! So heartening to hear the determination and positive focus, so soon after this terrible setback. Attitude is everything and yours is an example for anyone who's ever faced traumatic injury or illness of any kind. Which I already knew firsthand, since you guys were a calming presence during my own recent scary illness. Clearly this trial is no match for Team Kyler, and I look forward to toasting the future milestones in your recovery!
Our prayers are with you and your family. My nephew went through the same thing three years ago...skiing accident. It will be hard road ahead but you will have a fulfilling and productive life ahead. Please keep us posted because the whole town is pulling for you. Van and Linda Hanna
While we remain shocked and saddened about Rob’s accident, we are not surprised by his incredibly positive posting on the site yesterday. Thanks for being such an important example of a life well lived to so many on this earth; we will continue to cheer you on in this next chapter and will not be surprised by the new heights that you undoubtedly will reach.
Rob Carol and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your sprit is great. Keep working You are on the way! Pat and Carol Judson
Dear Rob and Nancy, We were so sorry to hear about your tragedy. We have had so many people in our office this week who have told about lovely kindnesses that you extendended to them. May they all come back to you tenfold! You’re in our thoughts and prayers, Elizabeth and Joe Cianciolo
Rob and Nancy words can’ t describe the sadness we felt when we heard what happened. Your positive attitude reflects the determination and positive attitude you instilled in so many of your patients. You both have so many people that want to help in any way they can. You all are in our prayers. Karen and Bill
Rob, I was so shocked as I read these journal entries tonight and learned of your injuries. I am so sorry but your positive attitude is very inspiring. I said a prayer for you tonight and will continue to do so. Sending you much love and prayers. Shanique
I am very sorry and saddened to hear about your injury but I love your positive attitude! Your inspiration and determination continues amaze me. I pray for a speedy recovery and that you find strength with each passing day...there is brighter life ahead of this!
Rob and Nancy - Peter and I only met you once but feel we know you through Jordan, who we have all come to love and who has become our rock of gibraltar. I am so sorry this has happened; and have been inspired by your posts, and family and friends and more than anything your head-on spirit of inspiration, hope, determination and drive. Whatever you need, please let us know, and thank goodness for medical science which has come so far but still has a long way to go. We are all thinking of you every day. Onward and forward and upward, every single day. Harriet, Peter
Wishing you a speedy recovery and know your positivity will win!! Your healthcare colleagues are rooting for you!! Donna
Thanks for the inspirational message and update! Wishing you the best recovery. Hope to connect with you in CHQ before long. Love and prayers - Chris Vance
We are with you in thoughts and prayers. It's great to see that you've already decided that life is what we make of it, not what it makes of us. Alexious stand with you!
I look out my back door many times a day with sadness to see your empty house. I’m looking forward to the time when you return and there is life and laughter and activity across the way. My best wishes are with you and your family. Peggy Ruth Geren
Hey! Joe and I want to let you know that we are so sorry about the accident but are heartened by your positive attitude and the excellent care you received and will continue to receive. If there's ever anything we can do to help you and your family, please don't hesitate to ask.
Sorry to hear about your accident. Wishing you a speed y recovery. So glad that you've had such great care. Praying for you. Joe and LaVonne
Rob, We’re so sorry you had this accident. Please be assured you and your family are being remembered as we pray for your healing, peace and comfort. Paul and Carol Yoder
Positive thoughts and prayers for you! So sorry this happened but LOVE the positive attitude. Hang in there!
Dear Rob, shocked to hear this. But I am relieved to hear your inspirational attitude to come out strong. With your amazing attitude,your crystal clear mind, your crazy wit & humor and beautiful family and friends around, I have no doubt about your full recovery soon. If one person in this planet can beat the odds, it’s YOU! Love you my friend and will talk soon. Anish Anish Meerasahib
Where can I send stinky flowers or a cactus? Is there a DVD or Blueray machine down there? Can we send cards and stuff?
Rob, your words are exactly what we expected from one we know to be so strong, hopeful, and always positive. Please know that Peter and I continue to think of you daily - and also of Nancy and your family and look forward to seeing your smiling face back on Sherwood Lane.
Rob and Nancy, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your positive outlook is everything. Good luck in Atlanta-sending positive thoughts your way. Xo, Katie and Kevin Cooke
I'm so sorry to hear the news of your accident! I can't imagine how difficult this experience has been but I'm so glad to hear that your facing this with so much support from friends and family and with a positive mindset! I will pray for your healing, strength and continued positive outlook.
Thinking of you and praying for you and your family. Keep up that positive attitude and determination!
Rob, Mark and I are thinking of you and pulling for you. We have always valued your friendship and your kindness to us. Hang tough and keep going! Judy Goins and Mark Cox
Hi, Rob, sorry to hear about your accident. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Will be thinking about you.
I keep thinking about the last presentation you did for marketing and you spoke about being in the present moment. Most came to hear that presentation simply because you are so admired and cherished! Being in the present moment matched with your positive attitude and determination I know you will give it your all. Continued thoughts and prayers for you .
Dearest Dr Rob- You know how word gets around a small town- well it may take a few days but we do all eventually hear the news. SO sorry it was such hard news to hear. Our hearts are heavy knowing what you and Nancy have been through but we love your positive attitude and fortitude! So glad your noggin stayed intact- so many of us need your smarts to keep well and healthy. It is so reassuring that you are looking over us all. I just was just at the the Cancer Center and got another "All clear" for which I am so grateful. I hope it will be OK if I add you to my church's prayer list (Covenant Presbyterian) since their prayers did such a wonderful job getting me through my illness. Know that there are many more people than you could ever imagine praying for your speedy recovery. You are one of the good guys and we NEED you!!! Saying prayers for your family as they cheer you on to greater heights!!! Sending a gentle and sincere hug for your continued progress!!!! Susie Oberg
Dear Rob, You are an amazing person and we wish you and your family the best on the journey ahead. Years ago, while waiting for the UVA medical school interview, you took the time to come say hi and put me at ease and now years later I still thank you for your kindness. Your family helped Susanne adjust to this country and gave her a chance with schooling at EMC. You also provided incredible care to my mother as you guided her on best choices when facing a second recurrence of her sarcoma. I hope that you have had and will continue to have an outpouring of healing love such as you have provided for others. Godspeed and good luck. Justin and Susanne Lechler-Osborn Portland Oregon
Dear Rob and family Along with my prayers and positive energy I am sending a quote I once read —went something like this — You never know how strong you can be till being strong is your only choice. So many people are thinking of you and the whole family. Receive my prayer.............Alice Julias