Rob Gildea’s journey is a testament to strength, resilience, and the profound impact of community support. For many years, Rob dedicated himself to the athletics at Red Land High School, serving as an assistant coach for both the men’s basketball and baseball teams, fostering young talent and building lasting relationships.
In October 2019, Rob faced a heart-wrenching challenge when he was diagnosed with ALS after struggling with the weakening and shrinkage of his left arm. Initially thinking it was a torn rotator cuff, he sought help from various medical professionals, including a school trainer and specialists. After a year filled with uncertainty and numerous tests, he received the news from Dr. Colin Quinn at the Philadelphia VA that would change his life.
In the aftermath of his diagnosis, Rob made a profoundly difficult decision. With the Red Land High School basketball team thriving and even earning an invitation to a national tournament in North Carolina, he chose to step down as coach. His focus shifted to being present for his son, who was moving up to the varsity level. This decision undoubtedly was not easy, yet it underscored his unwavering commitment to his family.
Despite stepping back from coaching, Rob remained an integral part of the community. He took on a role in the booster club and became the announcer for the games, ensuring he continued to support the teams he loved. Driven by a desire to do even more, he spearheaded a capital campaign to revitalize the outdated baseball field. Through the collective effort of the community, they accomplished remarkable improvements, including a new backstop, bullpens, a two-story press box, and an indoor hitting facility. The hitting facility was especially important to Rob because both the baseball and softball teams can train year-round without the burden of expensive outside facilities.
This past May, the completion of the indoor hitting facility was celebrated with an unveiling, an emotional moment for the community and for Rob. The celebration took place on the same day as their annual ALS Walk, which supports the Hershey ALS United Walk.
As the walk concluded, the varsity softball coach and the booster club president called Rob over to home plate for the annual photo. Instead of simply posing for the picture, they unveiled a $10,000 check for ALS United Mid-Atlantic. This gesture represented not just a financial contribution, but also a profound commitment to supporting those affected by ALS, a cause that impacts many lives. In that moment, surrounded by friends and supporters, Rob was deeply moved by this act and felt an overwhelming sense of emotion.
Rob encourages everyone to get involved in any way they can. “ALS is such a complicated disease, and there’s no clear reason why one person gets it over another. Everyone’s journey is different. Unfortunately, we have to raise the money ourselves to find a cure, but that’s just the reality we face. The more we get involved, the more we raise awareness and funds for this disease. Hopefully, one day it won’t be terminal, and we can find a cure.”