Biker Buddies
by Bob Lambert, Donor Brother (Heart)
“I’m happy that a deserving person like Tim received Patty’s heart,” said Bob Lambert of his sister’s heart-recipient-turned-biking-buddy. “We couldn’t ask for anyone more caring.”
Patty Bruck was the type of person who lit up a room. “She was personable and knew who she was. It was tough losing her. But knowing that Tim’s life was saved made it a little less painful,” said Bob.
Seeing the impact of his sister’s gift encouraged Bob to register as an organ and tissue donor. “When I went to the BMV, one person after another said, ‘no’ when asked to be a donor. I said, ‘yes’ and people were surprised. People aren’t educated about the process and don’t understand the impact donation can have.”
Bob and Tim - united by heart donor, Patty Bruck
When Bob’s sister, Patty, died in July 2004, she was able to save four lives as an organ donor. One of those people touched by her generosity was Tim Jones of Cambridge, Ohio. Tim first met Bob when they had dinner together with their wives, Sandra and Karen, in 2005. “We had so much to talk about, we shut down the restaurant,” laughs Bob.
Bob says it seems that Tim and Patty were meant to come together. “They both love golf and they even laugh the same!” Bob and Tim soon discovered another common bond: motorcycles.
As the friendship progressed between Bob and Tim, they began riding together. They rode in the 2006 Bike Week in Daytona, FL together and have toured the Smokey Mountains on their bikes. Their wives ride as well and the common love of motorcycles has brought the families closer together.
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