Fundraiser for Robert Ehmer Nov. 9

After more than five months of recovery and rehabilitation, Robert Ehmer is back home.

Ehmer, who owns the BP gas station on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, suffered a massive heart attack in April. After nearly two months in the hospital, he was transferred to an acute rehabilitation center in Westchester and more recently to a sub-acute rehabilitation center on Long Island where he worked to regain speech, motor skills and mobility.

His wife, Joanne, and children, Teddy and Maddy, have been at his side.

Ehmer's family and friends started a fundraising campaign on www.gofundme.com to help pay for "ongoing costs associated with hospital expenses, rehabilitation bills, medications, prosthetics, necessary home modifications and other day-to-day expenses" the Ehmer family will incur.

Janice Pielhop Ortellado, friend of the Ehmer family, is creator of the Robert Ehmer Recovery Trust Fund.

"Experiencing a myriad of emotions, happiness, anticipation, fear, apprehension, love and the most overwhelming feeling of thankfulness, Bobby is back home," she said. "This is merely the beginning of new challenges for our friend. He must still continue to work hard at his physical rehab, occupational rehab and endless exercise."

The campaign has raised $100,408 in two months. The goal is $300,000.

A fundraiser will be held Nov. 9 at AMF East Meadow Lanes to continue the effort. The cost is $40 per person, which includes two hours of bowling (5-7 p.m.) and shoe rental; $25 for kids 12 and under. AMF East Meadow Lanes is located at 1840 Front St.

RSVP and pre-register by emailing cdsathome@verizon.net (include how many people in your party, names and shoe size). Raffles will be offered and special artwork by Maddy Ehmer will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit her Dad's fund. An exclusive box of 12 notecards, made by Bob himself, will also be available for purchase.