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| Me, Patrick, Therese & Bob |
We met Bob and Therese Stansbury, early on this journey at an ALS support group meeting and the connection was immediate. After the first meeting I sent Nancy at the ALS Association a note asking for an email address for "the lady at support group, who is the wife/caregiver for Bob," I couldn't remember her name. Much to my horror Nancy simply forwarded the message to Therese. She sent me a lovely email and didn't mention the fact that I had totally forgotten her name. We've been friends ever since.
Our journeys have spanned over four years. Bob and Patrick's progression has been quite similar, starting in the hands and progressing to the legs and bulbar region. We were impacted by many of the same challenges, decisions and experiences. So we shared ideas, commiserated together and enjoyed each others company. We joined forces on the Walk to Defeat ALS and combined our teams a few years back. If you attended the walk in recent years, it's likely you met Bob, Therese or Jenna, their daughter.
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| Jenna, Therese, Bob, Patrick & Caitlin |
Bob had a tremendous sense of humor that continued throughout the journey. Keeping your sense of humor as ALS progresses is a challenge, but for Bob it never faltered. Patrick and I really enjoyed his company and openness.
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| The Stansbury's (Oct 2018) |
He was committed to his family; Therese, Herb, his father, his brothers and children, Jenna and Matt. Jenna graduated in May from Chico State with a BA degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Special Education, following her mother's footsteps. No one could be more proud of his children than Bob.
Bob grew up in Chico and had three brothers (Bert, Bob, Bill, and Brian). He reminded me of one of the boys I grew up with in Susanville. He had a down to earth attitude, an easy going personality and a funny sense of humor. He worked in tree care and management for about 35 years and was a licensed arborist.
He was not one to mince words and said what he thought. Yes, he and Patrick were kindred spirits. They were part of a group that lingered well after support group to share stories and experiences. It was a good group of people and it's sad we all met because of this disease. I believe Bob and Patrick would have been friends even without the ALS connection.
With Chico being home, ALS did not stop Bob and Therese from making regular trips to Sacramento for support group and San Francisco for a clinical trial. They were travelling fools long into this disease. I'm still not sure how they managed to do this for so long. Travelling becomes quite difficult as things progress. Even in the past year they drove to Southern California to visit family. They were a remarkable partnership, staying positive and making things work. ALS is not easy on a marriage so it's impressive when people continue to make it work.
At support group, both Bob and Therese shared their challenges, offering advice, and being generous with their support and empathy for other ALS patients and families. For years they attended both the Chico and Sacramento support groups. Attending the Chico support group as recently as last month. Bob's absence at these meetings will be sincerely felt.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Therese, Jenna, Matt and family.
"Some people come into our lives and leave footprints
on our hearts and we are never ever the same." Flavia Weedn
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| Bob and Therese |
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| Bob, Heinz and Patrick |
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| Bob, Jenna and Therese |
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| Bob and Patrick |
