My name is Tori, and this is my brother Bob. On March 24, 2009, Bob died of Huntington’s Disease. He was only 48 years old. For nearly 20 years, he battled the disease with courage, determination, and most amazingly, optimism. In the process he touched the lives of many people who came to know him. It is truly amazing to hear the stories of how Bob helped them view life in a different way, handle a rough time, or overcome a personal challenge.
Even before Bob became sick, he did these things for me. He was 10 years older than I and I looked up to him as much as a little sister could. He had a way of making me feel like I was the most special person in the world, and I would have done anything to make him proud of me. This desire to impress became one of my most formative life experiences. There are countless times I would be facing something that scared me to death, yet knowing Bob was watching I took a deep breath and plunged in. No matter how scary the situation, anything was worth the look on Bob’s face when he was impressed with something I’d done. These times taught me a valuable lesson about myself, and has allowed me to go through life looking for and embracing new and exciting challenges. My life would have turned out very differently had Bob not helped foster this valuable ability.
To honor Bob and the difference he has made in my life, I’ve signed up to run the Maine Coast Half Marathon on November 8, 2009. 5 years ago I did not run, and when I signed up for the half marathon I had never run more than 7 miles. I felt that tackling a new challenge was the most fitting way to remember him, and the race will take place in York, ME, which was Bob’s hometown when he died.
As part of the race, I am collecting donations for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. HDSA is a wonderful organization which is coordinating the tremendous amount of research that is being conducted in search of a cure, and provides immeasurable support to the many people and families affected by this disease. If you'd like to donate, click on the "Donate" link above and it will take you to our donation page.
I am also inviting anyone who would like to join me to come for this special event and celebrate the legacy this wonderful man has left behind. There is a 5K that you can run or walk, and my cousin Lisa is leading a contingent of people who are already signed up to do the walk. They would love to have you walk with them or wave as you run by. You can sign up for the 5K by visiting the race website here, and use the "Contact" link on this page to let us know you are coming.
Overall, my goal in this is to remember Bob and celebrate the footprint he left on this world. When I told this to Lisa, she came up with the idea for this website and enlisted her friend at Badass Designs to set it up for us (a big thanks to both of them). So we’d love to hear from you! If you have something that you’d like to share, please send it along and we’ll post it here (just click on the "Share" link above). This could be a memory of Bob or a story of how he has touched your life, a story of a challenge that you have faced in life and overcome, or tell us about a person in your life who has had a positive impact on you.
Lisa and I hope that over time this site will become a place of cheer, optimism, and humor, which is exactly the way Bob saw the world. We hope to be busy posting your contributions, so check back in with us often!
Even before Bob became sick, he did these things for me. He was 10 years older than I and I looked up to him as much as a little sister could. He had a way of making me feel like I was the most special person in the world, and I would have done anything to make him proud of me. This desire to impress became one of my most formative life experiences. There are countless times I would be facing something that scared me to death, yet knowing Bob was watching I took a deep breath and plunged in. No matter how scary the situation, anything was worth the look on Bob’s face when he was impressed with something I’d done. These times taught me a valuable lesson about myself, and has allowed me to go through life looking for and embracing new and exciting challenges. My life would have turned out very differently had Bob not helped foster this valuable ability.
To honor Bob and the difference he has made in my life, I’ve signed up to run the Maine Coast Half Marathon on November 8, 2009. 5 years ago I did not run, and when I signed up for the half marathon I had never run more than 7 miles. I felt that tackling a new challenge was the most fitting way to remember him, and the race will take place in York, ME, which was Bob’s hometown when he died.
As part of the race, I am collecting donations for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. HDSA is a wonderful organization which is coordinating the tremendous amount of research that is being conducted in search of a cure, and provides immeasurable support to the many people and families affected by this disease. If you'd like to donate, click on the "Donate" link above and it will take you to our donation page.
I am also inviting anyone who would like to join me to come for this special event and celebrate the legacy this wonderful man has left behind. There is a 5K that you can run or walk, and my cousin Lisa is leading a contingent of people who are already signed up to do the walk. They would love to have you walk with them or wave as you run by. You can sign up for the 5K by visiting the race website here, and use the "Contact" link on this page to let us know you are coming.
Overall, my goal in this is to remember Bob and celebrate the footprint he left on this world. When I told this to Lisa, she came up with the idea for this website and enlisted her friend at Badass Designs to set it up for us (a big thanks to both of them). So we’d love to hear from you! If you have something that you’d like to share, please send it along and we’ll post it here (just click on the "Share" link above). This could be a memory of Bob or a story of how he has touched your life, a story of a challenge that you have faced in life and overcome, or tell us about a person in your life who has had a positive impact on you.
Lisa and I hope that over time this site will become a place of cheer, optimism, and humor, which is exactly the way Bob saw the world. We hope to be busy posting your contributions, so check back in with us often!
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