Web Cam Brings His Reunion Home

Gene "Tom" Robarts and his wife, Kathy, share a laugh with his high school classmates in Erie, Pa., through a Web camera during the class's 45th reunion Saturday. Robarts has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

By JASON BEHNKEN / Tribune

By JESSICA BALANZA The Tampa Tribune

Published: Aug 5, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Gene "Tom" Robarts watched Saturday evening as his high school buddies stood in line in Erie, Pa., to reminisce with him during their 45th reunion.

It was the fifth time Robarts, 63, would share memories with those old friends - he attended the 25th, 30th, 35th and 40th Strong Vincent High School celebrations.

There was one important difference this time: Roberts "attended" from a mobility scooter in an office in his Town 'N Country home.

Closing the more than 1,000-mile gap were an Internet connection, two computers and two Web cams.

"We are sorry you can't be here, but this is a great way to be a part of it," said Katie Alexick, a former classmate in Pennsylvania, via Web cam.

Robarts decided this year after flying to California to visit his newborn grandchild that traveling to his high school reunion would be too difficult.

In 2005, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, an incurable disorder that debilitates the body's muscular system.

"Having this [technology] available is a godsend," Robarts said. "The world of the Internet has opened up so much. … For families and people like me, I can make this available to other ALS patients and help them enhance their quality of life."

For the past six years, Robarts has used the Web cam to communicate with his two sons and grandchildren, signing on as often as twice a week.

With the help of a high school friend in Pennsylvania, he was able to bolster the connection and ensure that once again he would partake in reunion festivities.

Robarts and his wife, Kathy, sat in the office with decorations in the old school colors as a backdrop. "Strong Vincent High School Class of 1962" was in red and black bold letters with red and black balloons floating on each side.

At the other end of the Internet connection, more than 140 people jammed a reception hall in Erie, Pa. A line quickly formed to access the Web cam, put on a head set and speak with Robarts.

Former classmates shared jokes, chuckles and memories from 6 p.m., when the Web cam started rolling, throughout the event.

"We wish you could be here," a classmate said.

"We really miss you not being here," another said.

Robarts also will have a memory book made of the reunion. Those who spoke with him were photographed, and they had the option of writing comments and signing their names.

Kathy Robarts said the memory book will be added to the collection her husband has been creating for the past year.

Robarts has a military memory book, family memory book from the day he was born and a school memory book that features elementary school through the last reunion he attended.

The Robartses are interested in genealogy, and she is working on a book that traces the family back to the 1700s.

"I have a great wife and an excellent family," Tom Robarts said. "Fifty years from now, my great-grandchildren can pull out a book and say 'Look, this is Gramps.'"

Reporter Angela Delgado contributed to this report. Reporter Jessica Balanza can be reached at (813) 865-1518 or at jbalanza

@tampatrib.com.