OCEAN RESCUE 

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Personal note from webmaster: This website is dedicated to a very special person I recently met. One of the most genuine and nice, unselfish and talented people I have ever encountered in my long travels, Here I present his story. Read, share and please if you find it in your heart help someone who always helps without any expectations. LR

 

On October 3rd, 2005 (click here for video) Brian was walking on the boardwalk near his home in Indialantic, FL during tropical storm Tammy. He heard a cry for help come from the sea and had to make a split second decision, that would ultimately shorten and alter his life. This decision has left him completely disabled and unable to return to his former (or any other) occupation.

Here is more of his story:

 

Over three years after rescuing a drowning surfer in 12 foot seas, Brian Bobb of Satellite Beach, Florida, says he knows what it feels like to be going under.

With mounting debts since being declared completely disabled and never to work again, Bobb is trying to keep his spirits up as he navigates through the maze of doctor's visits, surgeries, Social Security meetings and a strained home life.

"Its been such a crazy time, and I don't like to be in a position to have to ask for help but, that's where Im at" he also says, "The last thing I want people to do is feel sorry for me," he said. "I just want people to know that this incident has left me in a very terrible place. Unfortunately, it's a situation that could have been prevented."

Lauded as a "hometown hero" on a central Florida newscast, Bobb still believes he made the right decision to save the 29 year old first time surfer Jeremiah Chapman from Orlando.

"I could not let the young man drown", he said noting that no lifeguard was on duty and rescue workers arrived after the pair spent 20 grueling minutes in rough waters.

Bobb, who suffered his third heart attack during the rescue and injured his neck and lower back, suffered another heart attack July 30 and now wonders who will help him. It's a hard reality for the former athlete, construction contractor and breadwinner.

Bobb who spent 13 years playing left field on a local senior baseball team, now is limited to using a stretching band and walking.

"Ive had neck surgery to fuse all discs damaged as a result of the rescue and Im waiting to have lower back surgery to prevent my spine from shifting forward any further" he said. "I'm not able to work and I'm not allowed to earn an income.

Bobb says things began to slide out of control when he couldn't pay the medical bills associated with treatment after his heart injuries at the rescue scene. Since that time he has suffered an additional heart attack and has had to undergo surgery to repair neck injuries that were aggravated by the pounding he took in the churning surf.

Bobb's wife of 30 years, Pam, has picked up the financial slack as much as possible and Bobb is grateful for the support and assistance of family and friends

One friend, Lowell Ball of Beachside Pools, set up a benevolent fund at Wachovia Bank.

Ball and Ryan Gibbons, his business partner at Beachside Pools in Satellite Beach, established the fund to provide an easy way to assist their longtime friend.

"He did this great thing and now he cant work and has financial issues, and it doesn't seem fair" Ball said.

Cash donations or checks made out to the Brian Bobb Assistance Fund, may be made in person or mailed to any Wachovia Bank In Brevard County Florida.

 

There is going to be a live fundraiser within the next month. Please come back and visit us again for updates. Also, Brian has been playing some gigs in town we want to make you aware of, so again, please come back every day , and stay tuned.

 
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