Name: Bob Zahler
Occupation: Owner and Grill Master, BBQ Bob's
Type of Amputation: Bi-lateral BK
"I was amazed at how easily I was able to walk around," says Bob Zahler, recalling his first time walking on the TruStep. "I was up and at it right away." Bob, owner of BBQ Bob's in Southfield, Michigan lost both of his legs to diabetes after a kidney/pancreas transplant. "I lost my right leg in October, 1999, and then my left in January 2001," he says, very matter-of-factly.
During the time of his amputations, Bob spent much of his time at Beaumont Hospital, where the surgeries were performed. "I met my wife, Pam there. She has been a nurse at Beaumont for 19 years. She took two weeks off of work and flew out to Wisconsin for my transplant, and she's been with me ever since. We still haven't had our first date," he jokes.
 Soon after his first amputation in 1999, Bob's prosthetist took him for a tour of College Park. "I got to see the place and talk to Eric," Bob says of College Park and its President, Eric Robinson. After his tour, Bob tried the TruStep on, and he was hooked. "I was in a wheelchair at the time, and I was surprised at how easily I was up and walking around," he remembers. "It was amazing how natural a feeling the foot has," Bob exclaims.
"After my first amputation, I didn't expect to lose my other leg, but you've got to think, these things happen for a reason," Bob says optimistically. "Sure, losing my legs was a big change for me, but you can't let it beat you. I still have me, and this thing has opened up so many great opportunities for me as far as meeting other amputees and my barbeque," he affirms.
  "It's the real deal," Bob says of his slow-roasted, charcoal-cooked barbeque. Authentic, southern-style Barbeque has always been something Bob enjoyed, but he never expected his business to take off the way it did. "I had catered a few College Park events, and after tasting my food, Eric, President of College Park, and Keith and Greg from Pros-Tech, purchased me a giant barbeque trailer," Bob exclaims. "It is now my goal to turn around and give back to others like Eric and Pros Tech have given to me."
Bob is available to cater all kinds of events, from private parties to corporate lunches. To view a catering menu or to learn more about BBQ Bob's, go to BBQBobs.com
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