Harrowing COVID-19 Battle Gives KC Legend New Lease on Life

For 37 years, Bob Reeder's music has filled the cavernous walls of O’Malley’s Pub in Weston, MO. And, until Bob became ill with COVID-19 last October, it seemed the esteemed musician's days of performing would go on forever.

Bob's Fight Against COVID-19

Bob went from healthy and able to weak and frightened just days after testing positive for coronavirus. When his symptoms worsened, Bob went to the North Kansas City Hospital. Once admitted, low oxygen levels caused Bob to hallucinate about falling from a cliff into an abyss. And in rare moments of lucidity, Bob realized how sick he'd become.

"At one point I came to and doctors were moments from putting a tube down my throat," Bob recalled. "I explained I'm a singer and begged them not to proceed." Although Bob was spared intubation, he compares his ICU days to the time he spent flying in Vietnam. "It was absolutely devastating," Bob recalled.

Stronger Together

After a lot of ups and downs over the 27 days Bob spent fighting COVID-19 in the hospital, he came out on the other side – something he attributes to the extraordinary care he received. Although Bob's recovery at home has been slower than he'd like, he is eager to get back to the stage and grateful for each day he's been given.

"I want to thank them for giving me back the rest of my life, however long it is," Bob said. "Without them, I wouldn’t be here."

Hear More About Bob's COVID-19 Recovery

Watch Bob's testimonial to learn more about his inspiring fight against COVID-19.