Bob (left) and Jim; photo by Pete Giljohann
Shawne Cryderman
Singer, world traveler, pickleball player – Bob has done it all and continues to beat the odds while battling multiple myeloma, a form of blood and bone cancer. Bob Long and Jim Haakenson recently participated in the Duel in the Desert International Pickleball Tournament at the Palm Creek Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona. They won the silver medal from a field of 15 teams for men 65 plus at the 3.5 level of play. This accomplishment was achieved because of Bob’s overwhelming desire to “keep on keepin’ on” to do what he does on a daily basis.
“I was honored to be his partner at such a difficult tournament,” stated doubles partner Jim Haakenson. “We had a great time and Bob played very well in all our matches.” Peter Giljohann, SPA Tournament Director stated the following after watching the medal match: “As the SPA Tournament Director I have seen some pretty good Pickleball matches all over the United States, but I never saw such a heroic and gutsy performance as when I witnessed our own Bob Long and Jim Haakenson in the prestigious Palm Creek Tournament. Knowing Bob’s condition and the number of matches they had to play to get to the finals—playing all day long—it was an amazing feat!”
Jenni, Bob’s wife of 40 years, is his number one supporter and partner on this journey. Jenni encourages Bob to do what he feels like doing and to continue his exercise program, to include playing pickleball when he feels up to it. The word “no” is never part of Jenni’s answer when Bob suggests they do something or travel to some exotic place. She most likely says, “Ok, let’s start now and get going!”
Bob has just begun a trial study at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix. Multiple myeloma leeches out the calcium from the bone marrow, making the bones weak. Bob’s bones fracture and break very easily. The combination of drugs taken each day continues to challenge Bob’s ability to remain physically active. The side effects include dizziness and shortness of breath. Despite all the hurdles, Bob plays pickleball at drop-in two to three times a week. Bob also swings a mean nine iron while playing golf three times a week.