The Aphasia Community Center wants to thank and recognize the estate of Bob and Diane Lombard for their generous donation to the Aphasia Community Center. Their support means the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful for their belief in our mission. Because of this donation, The Aphasia Community Center will be able to add new and exciting programming starting in January 2024. The donation will fund future programming, such as an Art Class, Writing Class, Chair Yoga, and more. Their generosity has made a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
Diane and Bob Lombard were instrumental in starting the aphasia community in Sarasota. They were both huge advocates for people with aphasia. Diane was a schoolteacher and became a volunteer helping people to learn to read. Bob served in the Air Force in Vietnam and became a civil engineer. He played guitar in a band when he was young and loved music. Both Diane and Bob loved their careers. They lived all over the world and often told stories of their adventures. Bob suffered a massive stroke in his early 50s, leaving him with aphasia. After that, they moved to Venice, FL, where they joined a local aphasia support group. When that support group was discontinued in 2007, Diane co-founded the Suncoast Aphasia Support Group. This is how the aphasia community in Sarasota was born. Diane and Bob were active in the support group and helped many people over the years. Diane was warm and welcoming. Bob made everyone smile and loved being around people. Diane was also involved in the early planning days of the Aphasia Community Center. Unfortunately, we lost Diane in 2022 and Bob in 2020. Still, their memory lives on with the legacy of the Aphasia Community Center.
The Lombard’s commitment to the Aphasia Community Center’s cause inspires us to work even harder towards our goals. Their donation serves as a beacon of hope, empowering us to continue positively impacting our community.
If you would like to donate to the Aphasia Community Center, you can do that here: DONATE
