Rob Yanders was so much more than a basketball player, though that is how many people first remember his name. He was a dominant point guard in college and in the professional arena, a true force on the court. But Rob’s greatest gift was what he gave to those around him beyond basketball. He was a mentor to thousands of young men and women, including my own children. He inspired people to strive for more because he lived with such passion, discipline, and honor that he could lift others from their darkest moments and help them find light again.
Rob was also an amazing husband who was fortunate enough to marry his best friend. His love and devotion to his wife, Jen, was unwavering and inspiring—he always put her first. When Rob and Jen started their family, welcoming their two beautiful children, it brought out the signature Rob smile, the kind of smile that could light up an entire room.
I am heartbroken by his passing at only 44 years old. I am also angry with a system that failed to protect him. Rob was in the best physical shape of his life, yet what none of us could see was the silent presence of a genetic condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This is a disease that can be easily detected with a simple ultrasound and managed with medication. It is devastating to know that such a preventable condition took the life of someone so extraordinary. Despite all that Rob gave to the game and to the world, there is still no routine ultrasound testing for this disease.
I had the honor of calling Rob one of my best friends, and his impact on my life is permanent. His loss is one of the reasons I founded Health Hub and Health Guardian—to provide screenings and medical care that can detect illnesses before they take lives prematurely. I cannot bring Rob back, but I can dedicate myself to preventing others from being lost to diseases we have the power to detect and treat.
We will offer these screening ultrasounds to all athletes free of charge. Patients and families will have the opportunity to make a donation which will go entirely to the Robert Yanders Scholarship.
