It is with a very heavy heart that we mourn the loss of our dear friend and Board member, Bob Saget. Bob was a champion for scleroderma patients everywhere dating back to 1991 when he first became involved with the Scleroderma Research Foundation, even before his sister Gay lost her battle with scleroderma. Bob was a deeply caring father, husband, colleague, and friend, who was unreservedly committed to the mission of the Scleroderma Research Foundation.
His generosity of spirit was on display for all to see in everything he did, from his internationally renowned stand-up comedy to his MC efforts at the helm of Cool Comedy • Hot Cuisine (CCHC), the essential fundraising vehicle for the mission of the SRF. Over the years, CCHC has raised over $26 million, all of which was poured into the SRF’s research program to drive to a cure for scleroderma.
Among his many other contributions, Bob directed and produced a movie for ABC that was loosely based on his sister’s battle against scleroderma, called “For Hope” (1996). Today, this film continues to raise awareness of this disease and the need for research. Bob joined the Board of the SRF in 2003 and served tirelessly throughout his life. We could not have asked for a more passionate, creative, and dedicated partner in our efforts to find a cure.
Bob deeply understood the power of laughter to bring people together and to help people find their way through difficult times. He honed this gift through the many times that tragedy struck his own life, and he shared it openly. His incisive wit coupled with his huge heart helped all of us—patients, SRF Board members, staff, researchers, clinicians, and generous supporters around the world—to keep clear our vision of finding a cure and to extend love and goodwill to those invested in this fight.
Bob’s openness and generosity brought many people to the SRF who would have otherwise never heard of scleroderma. Our community often faces difficult losses, and Bob was uniquely driven to provide comfort and strength to all of us and the families most impacted by the disease. He was always the “big shoulder” we could all lean on.
Bob was also a deeply caring personal friend of those in our organization. All of us loved Bob and we never imagined we would lose him so soon. So today our hearts are broken. Our loss is immeasurable and we will miss him more than words can express. But we will think of him connecting with others to bring them joy, making us smile and laugh in our toughest moments, and keeping us true to our mission.
Our love and sincere condolences go out to his wife, Kelly, to his three beautiful daughters Aubrey, Lara, and Jennie, and to his nephew Adam. But Bob, we won’t say goodbye, because you will live in our hearts forever.
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