My Philadelphia hero!

I live near San Francisco and have been involved in the cell phone/brain tumor battle for over 3 years. I first met Rob in D.C. in 2009 at the International Expert Conference on Cell Phone Health Risks. I am involved as my husband has a brain tumor that experts attribute to his cell phone use. Rob was involved as that is what Rob was all about. He saw an injustice and took it on his own shoulders! I had the pleasure of seeing Rob again in 2010 when we gathered cell phone related brain tumor victims from across the nation and picketed at the CTIA- wireless association covention in San Francisco. It was to be their last convention in San Francisco as they were angry that the city had passed cell phone warning legislation. As we marched with our picket signs in hand from the Commonwealth Club where Devra Davis presented on this issue to the Moscone Center, there was Rob, camera in hand running alongside us getting the whole thing on video. He stayed with Lloyd Morgan that week who also housed some of the victims and they all adored him. He was always smiling and so easy going. Rob then initiated cell phone legislation in both Philly and PA. I don't think I ever told him- but he was my hero.

I was in Philly 8/31- 9/2 as Rob had arranged for the PA. Democratic House Policy Committee to hold a hearing on this issue. Congresswoman Venessa Brown was leading this legislation. Rob dragged me to city meetings and then to Vanessa's neighborhood BBQ and then to her office late into the evening. His energy was incredible- this was after a full day of running around city hall where everyone knew him and of course, loved him! There was nothing in this for Rob- he just wanted to help spread the word that not used safely, cell phones can kill.

The first night I was there Rob got stuck in the elevator at his office building- for over 2 hours! I was happy I did not get in that elevator with him! Next day he laughed about it and said the worst part was the second beer he had before getting in the elevator. I would have been livid! I met his oldest daughter for a minute when she stopped by his office and you could see how proud he was of her. I hope to meet the rest of his family at some point. I am going to do my best to see that the cell phone legislation progresses in Philly and PA and we will call it the Rob Stuart Act.

I was thrilled a few weeks ago when my phone rang in CA and it was Congressman Brown. My joy quickly turned to sorrow when she told me that we lost our hero. My heart goes out to his family and I cannot imagine the loss. My own father had a major heart attack at 49 but thankfully he made it through. I know that Rob's memory will be a blessing for his family.

Last time I saw Rob we were walking back from Drexel University after the hearing - he was walking his bike loaded with the camera equipment. I never imagined that it would be the last time I would see him. He was a joy to work with and I am honored to have had him be part of my life. I will never forget him. I will be back in Philly and I hope to meet the rest of the family. May G-d be with you and may your tears turn to smiles. Rob was the best! Ellie