Keepng the glass half-full: Akron holds benefit for young father

Akron will hold a benefit day for Bobby Walrod (right), who has a muscle-deteriorating disease called Friedreich's Ataxia, on Saturday, Jan. 16. The money raised will mainly be put toward making his home handicapped-accessible. Bobby and his wife, Christy, along with their 1-year-old daughter, Delayne, are very thankful for all the support of the community. [Click to enlarge]

Those are just a few ways in which friends and relatives describe 27-year-old Bobby Walrod of Akron.

From those descriptions, nobody would know that Bobby has a muscle-deteriorating disease called Friedreich's Ataxia.

Diagnosed at age 16, this inherited disorder causes damage to the nervous system, which results in the loss muscle function over time.

Andy Schmit, Le Mars resident and long-time friend remembers meeting Bobby through a mutual friend in high school.

"I knew in general about his condition, but he never really talked about it, and it wasn't very noticeable," Schmit said. "I just always thought of him as the guy that taught me how to do the spank shot in foosball. And, he has would always do anything for anybody at anytime so no one defined him by his condition."

But, throughout the past 10 years, Schmit said Bobby's condition has become more prevalent.

Bobby's muscles have weakened to the point that his body has lost its ability to balance, meaning he can no longer walk, climb stairs or even carry his 1-year-old daughter, Delayne, without assistance.

To help make Bobby's home handicapped-accessible, the Akron community will have a benefit day for him on Saturday, Jan. 16 at St. Patrick's Church Parish Hall at 300 Third St, Akron.

The money raised will also be put toward Bobby's medical expenses.

Bobby's job does not offer medical insurance and it's too expensive for the family to be on their own plan. And, Bobby does not qualify for medical assistance because he has a job.

"Title 19 says that a person must be declared disabled by Social Security Insurance, but that means my husband couldn't work," said wife Christy. "But, Bobby continues to work with his father, Bob, and brother, Austin, at High Tech Electric in Sioux City."

Bobby is a project manager estimator, which means he takes bids for electrical projects.

"I'd personally get bored not working," Christy said. "That's one of the reasons why Bobby keeps working too. My husband is always optimistic about everything. I'm more on the pessimistic side. I worry about him being in a wheelchair someday, but having a job helps keep Bobby positive."

Not that he needs any help staying cheerful, according to Christy's mom Carol Kessenich, of Le Mars.

"Bobby is amazing; he's very patient and he really ties people together," said Carol. "He's been a great person to get to know. He always asks how he can be involved with the farm so we have him disk the fields."

Bobby even learned how to play the family's favorite game: pinochle.

"He knows his boundaries but he wants to focus on what he can do and what he wants to do," said Carol. "In the summer, he's an avid fisherman; he goes three to four times a week. And, his friends even take him hunting."

Bobby is always a glass-is-half-full kind of guy, which is something Christy learned from the day she met him.

"I worked at Opportunities Unlimited where Christopher -- Bobby's older brother -- lived and he kept telling me 'you should date my brother,'" said Christy. "When I finally gave in, I saw what a great person Bobby was."

Christopher died due to the same disease in April 2003.

Bobby remains upbeat because, even though his muscles are weakening, he has a lot to look forward to in 2010.

This July also marks the couple's five-year anniversary and the due date of their second child. For children to inherit this genetic disease, both parents must carry the gene; Bobby's wife is not a carrier.

"My husband and I are very thankful for all the support of the community," said Christy. "This benefit makes me see again how special my husband is."

Benefit Day for Bobby Walrod

Saturday Jan. 16, 2010

Most events will be held at the Parish Hall in Akron

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Rummage and Bake Sale

11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Free Will Offering Meal

7:00 p.m. Live Auction

9:00 p.m. Benefit Dance at Chuggers in Akron

10:00 p.m. Raffle

Tickets can be purchased at Chuggers in Akron or from Brooke Klemme.

Klemme will mail tickets to sell.

Please contact her at harleyjd2007@yahoo.com.

Donations can also be made at

People's Bank (Benefit for Bobby) or mailed to:

Benefit for Bobby

Box 653

Akron, IA 51001