The Story of Bob Wahler, father of DU junior Ben Wahler
By Katy Looft, DU Media Relations
The early morning practices, the sore muscles, the bumps and bruises to tend to after a hard fought game of lacrosse; these are nothing in comparison with the struggles that Bob Wahler, father of junior lacrosse player Ben Wahler, faces everyday simply to live another day.
Bob Wahler, who recently turned 57, was diagnosed with brain cancer 23 years ago when his son, Ben, was only six weeks old. The doctors gave him six months to live, but he has surpassed all expectations, surviving numerous strokes, and even a brain hemorrhage that occurred two years ago.
Although Mr. Wahler’s health requires him to live in an assisted living home in Evergreen, Colo., he has promised to attend every one of Denver’s home lacrosse games this season.
Mr. Wahler shared his fight with brain cancer with Denver’s lacrosse team on Oct. 4, 2008. He told the players, “Now I have another fight. It is about staying alive and I fight everyday to have another day with my son, Ben.”
Coming to the games is no easy task for Mr. Wahler, as the assisted living home requires him to receive clearance from the nurses and the doctors and to have his feeding tube disconnected before leaving; then follows the 30 minute drive from Evergreen to Denver, which his wife Judy makes with him.
“The doctors leave it up to him to decide whether to come out or not,” said Ben. “There’s nothing left for them to do really. They’ve done every test, so they just want him to do things that will keep him happy for however long he’s going to be alive now.”
During Mr. Wahler’s visit with the Pioneers, he related his own athletic career and what it means to him to be able to watch their games: “So guys, just know that you are my inspiration- this team. I am so looking forward to watching all of you play this year.”
Judy Wahler then read Ben’s college admissions essay, from which she quoted, “Now, when I am in a lacrosse or hockey game and I fight to control the ball or puck and put it in the net, I see it as more than just playing to win. I ask myself, did I play full out, did I play fair, did I make the team better? All these traits I can say I honestly understand better from sharing my dad’s joy at even the smallest victory in his struggle.”
As Mr. Wahler inspires his son every day, so is he inspiring the rest of the men’s lacrosse team.
“A lot of guys have said to me that meeting my father and listening to his words have made them take a step back and get a look at yourself, and the things you take for granted,” said Ben. “Pretty much everyone just said to me how awesome it was to have my dad speak to them, and how much they love his commitment to come to each game.”
Ben also hopes that his father will motivate the team during the game.
“I think that for guys to look up in the stands and see him here will remind everybody of how much work he has to put in everyday just to live and to watch us play, which he loves so much,” said Ben. “I think it will make the guys seeing him in the stands just want to play harder for the game and for people that have issues in their family.”
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