Police Officer, Coach, Educator, Father, Friend- These are just a few descriptors of our father, Bob Buesser.  Bob joined the Hillsdale Police Department in 1972.  During his time as a police officer he co-founded the Hillsdale Hawks Youth Football Program and also served as an assistant football coach and winter track coach at Pascack Valley High School.  In 1989, Bob was diagnosed with Leukemia.  Our family relocated to Seattle, Washington so our Father could be treated at one of the top cancer treatment facilities in the country at the  time.  Our Father would receive multiple bone marrow transplants which sent his cancer into remission.  Bob returned to Hillsdale continuing his career in law enforcement.  He retired from the Hillsdale Police Department after 25 years of service in 1997 at the rank of Patrol Sergeant. He immediately transitioned into the role of Attendance Officer at Pascack Valley High School where he continued to coach football, winter track, and baseball as well.  In 1999, Bob was diagnosed with Leukemia a second time.  He again battled, never missing a day of work or coaching, and ultimately his cancer went into remission once again.    

In 2014 Bob was diagnosed  with Inclusion Body Myositis.  Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) is an inflammatory disease of the muscles that causes weakness.  It’s a rare disease, impacting fewer than 200,000 people in the US per year.  The most common symptoms of IBM include progressive weakness of the legs, arms, fingers, and wrists.  Bob’s doctors believe that it is possible that his medical/treatment history may be a cause of his current diagnosis due to his already weakened immune system.  

Since his diagnosis, he has participated diligently in physical therapy to delay the impacts of the disease as well as researched and trialed different experimental treatments.  Through his diagnosis, he continued to work at the high school, coach and support local sports and athletes, and he even worked for numerous years as the director of the Hillsdale Day Camp until his diagnosis eventually forced him to retire against his wishes.  

Despite his efforts, the disease has progressed and Bob’s strength continues to deteriorate.  Currently, his only mode of mobility is through the use of a battery powered wheelchair.  The chair has a function that can help to raise Bob’s body so he can stand, however his condition has worsened to the point that he no longer possesses the strength to stand from the raised position without other forms of assistance.  The irony of this situation is that Bob spent his life being active.  He was a supportive and encouraging force both as a police officer and on the athletic field as a coach.  He is now so weak from his condition that he has never independently held his own grandson.

Currently, Bob’s day to day activity is limited.  When he is not in his mobile chair, he spends the remainder of his day in a power lift recliner where he also sleeps since he can no longer access the second floor of his home.  The purpose of this fundraising event is to raise funds to assist in purchasing a handicap accessible vehicle.  This vehicle could drastically improve Bob’s quality of life as well as allow him and his wife the freedom to leave the house without assistance.  

For nearly 50 years Bob has dedicated himself to helping his community.  He has impacted countless lives.  My brother followed in his footsteps and became a police officer.  I also followed in his footsteps and became an educator and coach.  It is rare for me or my brother to go somewhere and not run into someone who has been positively impacted by our father.  We are asking that you please take this opportunity to help Bob in this time of need.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!