Today we’d like to introduce you to Vance Robinson
Hi Vance, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2010 I was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease called Inclusion Body Myositis that has no cure at this time.
My friends and family had never heard of it before. In 2017 I had an idea to raise awareness for myositis by throwing out a first pitch at Stanford university.
That year 2017 I started VRob’s First Pitch Campaign. The first few years I could travel the coast of California throwing out first pitches at
Cal Poly
UCSB
Westmont
Forestors
Pepperdine
UCLA
USC
SDSU
In 2023 I had my 3 year old niece throw out the first pitch at Cal Poly and UCSB..
The 2025 season I have friends and family throwing out first pitches across the country.. In January my awareness campaign went international with a first pitch at Playa Largo, Cuba.
I have 26 different first pitches currently on the calendar a few in March, April and the month of May which is Myositis awareness month. I’ve been super busy organizing dates, games and answering emails along with zoom meetings from The Myositis Association who supports me year after year.
I have amazing friends and family who support me in many ways. I have 2 healthcare providers that are absolutely amazing! Here’s a shoutout to Lauren and Susan.
I am truly blessed and thankful for the work they do that makes my life easier.
Even though I have this disability I remain upbeat as I always have. I tell people that have just met me for the first time. I am the same guy. I’m just now in a power wheelchair all day.. Some say, God has a plan for me my response. I’m living God‘s plan right in front of everybody. What’s that saying it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. I choose to smile daily.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s definitely been some struggles.
It got to the point where I could no longer drive my truck and I had to look for a handicap van that I could drive while sitting in my Power Wheelchair. During the pandemic, I didn’t leave my house close to 400 days. I did eventually get a van and it’s made a world of difference in being independent and having the ability to get out and enjoy the things that most people take advantage of. I don’t mean that in a weird way, but you just don’t think about stuff like that when you were able body with no worries..
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been retired since 2014 and started my first pitch campaign in 2017. Although I am officially retired I am very busy sharing my status of awareness year-round on my social media sites.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I grew up in Santa Barbara and favorite childhood memories are playing Little League baseball at Galleta Valley South Little League. Hanging out at the beach all day with my friends with no worries..
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Myositis.org/firstpitch
- Instagram: @Vrobb805
- TikTok: @vrobfirstpitch805
