Bob’s Story

Bob Williams, 63, has never had cancer, but that doesn’t mean he can’t relate to those who do. Darkness comes in all forms.

From 1980 to 2001, Bob served in the Navy, completing four deployments overseas. While in Iraq, the transport he was riding in was hit by an IED. Bob suffered a traumatic brain injury and neuropathy, and he was eventually medically discharged. “It was a very dark time,” he said. “I was not the same when I came home.” For his service, Bob earned three Purple Hearts. But, sadly, the lasting effects of his overseas experiences have left Bob struggling with PTSD and depression.

Bob went on disability and soon found himself sitting around his house in Hobart, IN, which further exacerbated his depression. Discouraged, he prayed, “Just give me something to do, Lord.” The answer came from his wife, Beth, who recommended that Bob do volunteer work at Phil’s Friends. Bob took Beth up on her suggestion.

“Just give me something to do, Lord.”

Because of his skills with sewing—his mother taught him when he was a young boy—and in upholstery—a job he did while in the Navy—Bob naturally gravitated toward blanket-making. He also became more familiar with Phil’s and others’ stories of battling cancer. “Hearing those stories and going through what I went through, they’re very similar,” Bob said.

Then one day Phil and another Phil’s Friends employee, Jason Turner, who also serves in the military as a chaplain, visited the Crown Point Hope Center. “I walked right up to [Phil] and told him my story,” Bob said. It left everyone listening in tears. Phil and Jason immediately prayed with Bob and thanked him for his service and for serving at Phil’s Friends. “Nothing but God’s will explains that day,” Bob said of that divine meeting.

“I’m just glad I can be a small part in helping them.”

Over the last three years, Bob says he has “found solace” volunteering at Phil’s Friends. He buys the organization fleece whenever he finds it on sale and donates it. He faithfully volunteers every Thursday, cutting and tying the blankets that go into each Care Package. He also spends time that day praying over every Care Package recipient.

“So many people struggle,” he says. “I’m just glad I can be a small part in helping them.”