Former Head of School at Saint Mary’s Hall, cancer survivor and ThriveWell Board President, Bob Windham, might be retired but he’s as busy as ever. Along with being Board President he’s a search consultant for Carney Sandoe & Associates (which helps schools throughout the country find leaders), Commissioner of the Southwest Preparatory Conference (a private school athletic league with 16 schools in Texas and Oklahoma), and is also serving as Interim Head of Lower School at Saint Mary’s Hall until July.
Bob…tell us about yourself?
I’m 68, and originally from Italy, Texas. My wife’s name is Rhonda and I have a daughter, Heather, and twin granddaughter’s Reese and Ryann.
What do you like to do?
I enjoy baseball history, collecting cards, and spending time at our place in Leakey, Texas.
What makes you happy?
Spending time with my family and doing work that helps others in some way.
What causes are you passionate about?
Thrivewell is a passion. It’s my way to help others who just need a helping hand to fight an ongoing battle in obtaining the resources they need to take care of themselves.
How did you get involved with ThriveWell?
I became involved with Thrivewell when I was asked to serve on the Board. Many of the Board members have had association with Saint Mary’s Hall and I found out about the organization through conversations with them.
Do you have any experience with cancer?
My grandfather and mom died of cancer. Many of my closest friends from childhood are currently battling cancer. I’ve had cancer myself and understand how tough it is to face it without the necessary resources. Mine was prostate cancer, 4 years ago. While it was thought that waiting was a reasonable approach, as is common with prostate cancer after a biopsy, I was scheduled for surgical removal within 3 weeks. That was unsettling to hear from a doctor who was known for a non-invasive approach. The surgery was completed and I received promising information from post-surgical pathology reports. I now anxiously await each PSA report. My grandfather also had prostate cancer which unfortunately was too wide-spread before he saw a doctor. He had 2 terrible years of radical treatments with no positive outcome. My mom had lung cancer and received massive chemo treatment, which put her into remission for 5 years. When the cancer returned she had 5 long months of decline prior to her death.
Worrying about cancer and the resources for proper and successful treatment is not a burden we want anyone in San Antonio to shoulder alone.
What advice would you give to those who have cancer and need access to resources?
If you need help, contact us. We will do all we can for as many as we can. The fact that we cannot guarantee we can help all in need of financial assistance says it all. We need your support so we can serve and support even more people in our city.