My name is Mardi Gamble Paulson. Over 30 years ago a wonderful man by the name of Rob Sturla, came into my family’s life. My sister Heidi, had the good fortune and presence of mind to say YES when he asked her to marry him and thus began a match made in heaven that is still going strong after 37 years. Rob has been a blessing to anyone who has met him, worked with him or become his lifelong friend. He has been an inspiration to me over the years so much so that he is the namesake of our own son, Rob. Those of you who know my brother-in-law know that he was injured in high school and has lived with the long term effects of that injury ever since. You also know that he has not been one to let that slow him down. Diagnosed a quadriplegic at 15, he has gone on to have an exceptional life,  raising three wonderful kids and working for many yrs as the athletic director at the Coast Guard Base near Petaluma, CA., where he coached thousands of young people both on and off the field from his motorized wheelchair. Having retired two years ago ,he and Heidi now need to replace that well-worn van that took him to the base each day, one specifically designed to accommodate his physical limitations. A van such as this can cost nearly $100K. I am starting the $$$ goal at $30K, which would be a down payment on a vehicle that would suit their needs, but having met many of Rob’s loyal and generous friends over the years, I know that the sky’s the limit