Bob Sharpe of Sharpe Systems has been a member of the peanut industry since 1972 and has touched many lives in the industry over the past 30 years.

Bob’s wife, Rita, was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2009. Since then, she has had an ongoing battle. Recently, Rita was in a terrible car accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down.

Rita was sent to Shepherd’s Spinal Center in Atlanta. She has regained movement in her fingers, hands, feet and knees and is now at home in Ft. Gaines. She is continuing rehab at Phoebe Putney in Albany.

Bob and his family have completed “Caregiving” training and are rotating care-giving responsibilities. Their house needs the addition of a wheelchair accessible room and bath with a special lift.

The cost of Rita’s cancer treatment alone has exceeded $600,000 and future medical expenses may run into millions of dollars.

Many of you know Bob and Rita, many may not, but can you imagine being in their situation? How overwhelming this situation must be for them, how life changing this has been for Bob, Rita and their family. Now is the time for family, friends and even strangers to come to their aid.

A fund has been set up at the Peoples South Bank in Albany for Rita’s care. Please consider making a donation to help if your heart so leads you. Send your donation to Rita Sharpe’s Rehabilitation Fund c/o Peoples South Bank, 701 North Westover Blvd., P.O. Box 70999, Albany, GA 31708-0999.

You may also lend your support by visiting the website www.caringbridge.org/visit/ritasharpe to leave messages of encouragement and to learn about Rita’s progress. Bob and Rita would also love to have visitors.

Please keep Rita, Bob and their family in your prayers as they face and conquer these challenges.

Sincerely, Betty Murdock Damascus Peanut Co.