Bob Sobo has been a servant of God and of people throughout his whole adult life.  He’s been an Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor and Shelter Manager for the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission where he helped many homeless families get back on their feet.  Bob has also had a passion for music since boyhood, and he achieved professional status as a guitar player and songwriter.

Bob has also been a devoted husband and father. He has dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom; and yet that pursuit has never made him cold or impersonal.  Anyone who has heard Bob laugh knows this to be true!  His wry humor and rapier wit have the capacity to put any person at ease, as anyone who has spent time with him can attest to.

Sadly, in December of 2006 when Bob was just 52, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Doctors believe that the onset was exacerbated by a head injury Bob incurred in a tragic traffic collision with a negligent driver in October of that year. 

This terrible accident occurred as he was heading to a musical gig.  Then, like now, he was accompanied by the incomparable Sandy Howell, who thankfully incurred only minor injuries.  As a result of that accident, the Parkinson’s which would most probably have laid dormant for the majority of Bob’s life, surfaced with a vengeance.  

This disease has exacted a terrible toll on Bob.

The first thing that Parkinson’s took from Bob was his ability to make music with his guitar.   The loss of that light within the world has been immeasurable; anyone who has spent any time with Bob knows that a guitar in his hands is like a painter with fresh watercolors, staring at a beautiful vista… His ability to make that instrument sing shaped the majority of my childhood, and it was a shock to everyone around him when he couldn’t play anymore.

But Bob persevered.

The next thing that Parkinson’s took from Bob was his ability to drive and speak publicly. Everyone was taken by surprise at how Bob’s Parkinson’s advanced so quickly, and in such a degenerative manner.  Nonetheless, with the help of a few friends, family, and Ms. Sandy Howell, Bob was able to continue.

Bob persevered.

Despite all efforts to the contrary, things have gotten worse for Bob.  As a result, he now requires round-the-clock, live-in caregivers who assist him in all regular daily functions.  The financial assistance that is available to him through normal channels just is not at all sufficient to cover his medical and care costs.  He is desperate need of additional funding, and he has no means to procure it for himself.   He has had some additional help from a kind benefactor, but this major portion of his funding is going to come to an end, soon.

So—the question becomes:  does anyone out there want to help out Bob?  He needs your help in order to persevere further.  He is working with therapists and doctors, and doing his best throughout all of these trials and tribulations.  Will you stand with him?  Can you? 

He doesn’t want to be in the position where he needs to ask for help.  Unfortunately, it’s gotten to the point of him actually needing to do so in order to survive.  I know it’s a lot to ask for in this day and age; we all have our issues and problems.  Trouble doesn’t discriminate, as I’m sure we all know. 

But Bob needs some help.  Please do what you can.  Let’s help Bob persevere further.   On his behalf, I thank each and every one of you for your time.  C’mon, let’s do this!