FOR BOB

Bob Veillette, the longtime managing editor of the Republican-American newspaper in Waterbury, suffered a massive stroke in April that left him cognizant, but completely paralyzed. With this rare condition, known as “locked-in syndrome,” Bob can still see, hear, smell, feel and think, but cannot move and can communicate only with great difficulty using eye movements. Just 25,000 people worldwide suffer from this condition. Because Bob, 62, a Naugatuck resident, was a distance runner who participated in many road races, his co-workers are holding “The Bob Veillette 5K Road Race and Family Halloween Costume Walk” on Sunday, Oct.  22. Proceeds will be used to help cover Bob’s medical expenses, which run into the thousands each week.

   The event will be held rain or shine. It begins in Waterbury’s Library Park at Grand and Meadow streets and will use downtown streets. Registration begins at noon. The road race begins at 1:30 p.m. The costume walk begins at 2:30 p.m. Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

    Pre-registration is encouraged. The first 300 people to register will receive a T-shirt and goody bag. Prizes, trophies and medals will be awarded to the top finishers in the 5K (3.1-mile) road race. Candy from Peter Paul-Hershey in Naugatuck will be provided to everyone who participates in the one-mile Halloween Costume Walk.

    Bob worked at the Republican-American for more than 40 years as a reporter, city editor, and managing editor. In addition to being a respected journalist, he is a veteran and is well known in Greater Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley as an accomplished pianist, performing for numerous charitable causes.

   For information on “The Bob Veillette 5K Road Race and Family Halloween Costume Walk,” or to register or volunteer, visit www.Bob5K.com, call (203) 574-3636, ext. 1416, or send an e-mail to bobroadrace@yahoo.com.

   For those who wish to contribute to this cause, but are unable to participate in the event, donations may be made to “The Locked In 5K Road Race,” 389 Meadow Street, Waterbury, CT 06722.

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