FLEMING ISLAND – Robert Boozer had a heart attack six months into his ownership of his motorcycle repair shop, Boozer’s Bike Shop.

But that wouldn’t end up coming close to the challenge that he is currently facing.

Now in a fight for his life, Boozer is facing terminal esophageal cancer. Doctors said he has two years to live.

Robert’s battle with cancer is a struggle each day. Boozer is required to receive chemotherapy every other week. After he completes the treatment, he goes home with a pump for 48 hours.

Then, Boozer receives surgery every four weeks where tumors are frozen, which allows him to swallow.

The cancerous cells have now spread into Robert’s back, bones and hips.

After Robert, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, was informed of the heartbreaking news, he gave up his repair shop to start treatment. The business is something that Boozer embraced for six years. The mechanic believes his family relationships with his customers are the most significant thing he gave up.

“The biggest thing I’m giving up is the connection with my customers. I love them, and I loved what I did. My customers are first and foremost,” he said.

Boozer tended not to charge some customers for basic services.

“They would say, ‘What do I owe you?’ And I would say, ‘Don’t worry about it. Come back and see me when you have a real problem. Well, they all came back at one time,” Boozer said.

Boozer was referring to the recent “Cruizin For Boozer,” a fundraising motorcycle ride event that turned out to be an emotional and powerful display of support from the biker community. Hundreds gathered for a 30-mile ride from Locals Pub in Orange Park to Boogerville Hideout in Green Cove Springs. The fundraising event honored Boozer.

The proceeds went directly to Boozer’s family, which will pay for his 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 truck. The vehicle is a crucial mode of transportation, allowing Robert to get the necessary care to fight the terminal disease.

“I want to thank everybody that was involved in this and the key people, Lorri (Gette-Ralph), Shelly (Zurvalec), Tim (Prentice), and Chris (Collier). They broke their back, going out of their way for us. I don’t care if you gave us $5 or $500. Words can’t describe the love and appreciation from my customers and the biker community. Thank you is not enough,” he said.

It was an emotional day for Boozer and the large biker community.

“I can’t tell you how many times I cried,” Boozer said.

In the fight for his life, one overriding mantra sparks the flames of fire for hope: spending every possible moment of the day with his 27-year partner.

“Spending as much time with her as I can. That’s the bottom line,” he said.

The process has been painful for Robert and his wife, Dawn Boozer.

“It’s very depressing. It’s hard,” she said.

But the Boozers aren’t giving up their fight.

In fact, there’s not the slightest chance they will contemplate waving the white flag.

“We’re just not going to give up. We fight every day. It’s not even an option. There’s no ‘poor me.’ We’re not doing that. We’ll get up and take a pain pill or go for a walk or ride,” Boozer’s wife said. In the meantime, a furry, protective friend provides much-needed emotional support: Daisy Mae, a beautiful white Maltese.

“That’s the best decision we made for him, was to get a little lap dog that he could pet. She’s done wonders for his spirit,” Dawn said. If you would like to donate, visit www.GoFundMe.com/f/Cruizin-For-Boozer.