Dr. Robert Bolding was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive terminal cancerous brain tumor, Christmas week, 2015. He was given a few months to live. Here he is at home shortly after his first brain surgery. He sought treatment through the Memphis VA Medical Center while also trying any alternative treatment his family could find. Bolding lived for two and a half years after the diagnosis and died May 26, 2018. (Karen Pulfer Focht/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Bob Bolding is treated at the Memphis VA Medical Center for his Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive brain tumor, with chemo and radiation therapy. (Karen Pulfer Focht/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Bob Bolding, a man of deep faith, is prayed over by church members as they lay hands on him during a ceremonial blessing. (Karen Pulfer Focht/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Bob Bolding walked his daughter Katherine down the aisle during her wedding, one of the goals his family set for him when they learned about his terminal illness. His daughter moved up her wedding date from fall to spring in hopes he would live long enough to give her away. (Karen Pulfer Focht/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Bob Bolding attends an Independence Day ceremony with his wife, Ingrid, at one of their favorite places, the Levitt Shell. During the ceremony Bob tugs at Ingrid and asks for a kiss. At this point Bob is wheelchair bound and doesn't get out of the house much. (Karen Pulfer Focht/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Two years after his diagnosis, Bob Bolding's granddaughter routinely climbs into bed with him wanting to be close. The simple things give Bob comfort and joy throughout his illness: being surrounded by kids, dogs, music and faith. (Karen Pulfer Focht/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Bob's daughter Buffy invites Santa to come to the house on Christmas Eve in 2017, knowing it will likely be his last Christmas. She hopes to create happy memories for the grandchildren. Once again, they believe that he may not survive through Christmas, but he lives another several months. (Karen Pulfer Focht/Special to The Daily Memphian)
As Bob passes away at home, he is surrounded by loved ones. It is hard for his family to say their final goodbyes and to let his physical body go. He donated his body to science. (Karen Pulfer Focht/Special to The Daily Memphian)