Sandy Robb was a dedicated member of the Meso Foundation’s board of directors. He took his position seriously, never missing any meetings, and never shying away from hard work. Sandy also volunteered as a moderator of the Foundation’s telephone support group for patients, all while waging his own battle against mesothelioma. Through his service and dedication, he became a close friend of the Foundation and its staff. To honor him and his service, the Foundation’s executive director, Mary Hesdorffer, will match all gifts in Sandy’s memory up to $10,000. The fund will be used to help patients navigate and access treatment, including clinical trials. Sandy was an ardent supporter of Meso Foundation’s patient services having himself utilized them, and wished that as many patients as possible were aware of their availability and took advantage of them.
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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Alexander “Sandy” Robb on Saturday, May 18, following a 9½-year battle with mesothelioma. A devoted member of our board of directors, Sandy was also, until recently, the raspy-voiced host of the Warrior Voices monthly telephone support group.
“Sandy was a dedicated board member always willing to voice his opinions and bring the voice of the patient to the forefront of the discussion. He was steadfast in his efforts and a wonderful voice of reason. At times, in the boardroom, stressful situations can cause tension, but Sandy always had a way of easing that tension through his humor and through his laughter. He was wise, caring and always willing to give it his all,” said Mary Hesdorffer, NP, executive director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
After being diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2010, Sandy became passionate in his quest to learn as much as possible about this awful disease and educate those around him. He was a champion for mesothelioma awareness and the work of the Meso Foundation. He was a major donor, and since 2014 has served on the organization’s Board of Directors, never missing a meeting.
“We have lost a cherished member of our community and a friend,” added Ms. Hesdorffer. “On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, I would like to offer our condolences to the entire Robb family.”
The Meso Foundation will honor Sandy’s memory and all those we have lost by continuing to raise mesothelioma awareness, advocate for additional research funding and support the entire mesothelioma community.
A memorial celebration was held on Friday, May 31, 2019 in Blue Springs, MO.
Donations in memory of Sandy can be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation on his tribute page.
