Robert Meals Medical Fund
Robert W. Meals Medical Fund
Robert W. "Bob" Meals was the consummate public servant. From the time he joined the Boulder County Sheriff's Office in 1973 until his retirement due to ill health in 2007, he served Boulder County with determination and distinction. Deputy sheriff, jail officer, detective, supervisor, SWAT Team member, narcotics investigator... he had a varied career and lived life to the fullest. His enthusiasm for law enforcement was infectious, and in his capacity as Advisor to the Sheriff's Office's Cadet program, he inspired dozens of young people to follow in his professional footsteps.
Injuries suffered in a serious car wreck as a young man caused Bob to become a diabetic, but didn't affect his eternal optimism, his boundless energy, or his spirit of adventure. Nonetheless, after several decades as a diabetic, Bob's kidneys began to fail. A double organ transplant (kidney and pancreas) was his only hope for survival. Recognizing the imminent need and the fact that insurance would not cover the costs of the procedure or the on-going expense of post-surgical medications, in 1997 a group of Bob's friends and co-workers established the "Robert W. Meals Medical Fund", a non-profit 501(c(3)) organization, to help defray his anticipated medical expenses. Later that year, hope became a reality and Bob received a multiple organ transplant. The surgery was a success and extended his life for an additional 12 years. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2009 at the age of 58, due in part to complications of the years spent as a diabetic.
The Robert W. Meals Medical Fund, however, lives on. Bob's medical expenses were less than originally anticipated, leaving an unexpended balance. It was his wish that others affiliated with local law enforcement might benefit from the fund as well. Through contributions, fundraisers, and wise investing, the Fund has remained financially viable over the course of the past 18 years. Honoring Bob's wishes, the Fund has distributed over $86,000.00, assisting 27 individuals or families with unanticipated medical or funeral costs.
The need remains; indeed, if the past year has been any indication, the need is growing and on-going. In 2014 alone, the Fund assisted four local law enforcement families, disbursing nearly $14,000.00.
Can you help meet the need and ensure that Bob's legacy to local law enforcement continues? Donations to the "Robert W. Meals Medical Fund" are greatly appreciated and entirely tax deductible. Thanks for your support
Robert W. "Bob" Meals was the consummate public servant. From the time he joined the Boulder County Sheriff's Office in 1973 until his retirement due to ill health in 2007, he served Boulder County with determination and distinction. Deputy sheriff, jail officer, detective, supervisor, SWAT Team member, narcotics investigator... he had a varied career and lived life to the fullest. His enthusiasm for law enforcement was infectious, and in his capacity as Advisor to the Sheriff's Office's Cadet program, he inspired dozens of young people to follow in his professional footsteps.
Injuries suffered in a serious car wreck as a young man caused Bob to become a diabetic, but didn't affect his eternal optimism, his boundless energy, or his spirit of adventure. Nonetheless, after several decades as a diabetic, Bob's kidneys began to fail. A double organ transplant (kidney and pancreas) was his only hope for survival. Recognizing the imminent need and the fact that insurance would not cover the costs of the procedure or the on-going expense of post-surgical medications, in 1997 a group of Bob's friends and co-workers established the "Robert W. Meals Medical Fund", a non-profit 501(c(3)) organization, to help defray his anticipated medical expenses. Later that year, hope became a reality and Bob received a multiple organ transplant. The surgery was a success and extended his life for an additional 12 years. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2009 at the age of 58, due in part to complications of the years spent as a diabetic.
The Robert W. Meals Medical Fund, however, lives on. Bob's medical expenses were less than originally anticipated, leaving an unexpended balance. It was his wish that others affiliated with local law enforcement might benefit from the fund as well. Through contributions, fundraisers, and wise investing, the Fund has remained financially viable over the course of the past 18 years. Honoring Bob's wishes, the Fund has distributed over $86,000.00, assisting 27 individuals or families with unanticipated medical or funeral costs.
The need remains; indeed, if the past year has been any indication, the need is growing and on-going. In 2014 alone, the Fund assisted four local law enforcement families, disbursing nearly $14,000.00.
Can you help meet the need and ensure that Bob's legacy to local law enforcement continues? Donations to the "Robert W. Meals Medical Fund" are greatly appreciated and entirely tax deductible. Thanks for your support
Organizer
Sean Harper
Organizer
Longmont, CO