Robin Wiliam’s wife Susan Schneider has given an emotional speech about her husband’s battle with Lewy Body Disease at the USO of Illinois’ 75th anniversary celebration over the weekend.
Williams, who was a big supporter of the organisation, was posthumously honoured with the 2016 Angel Harvey Heart of a Patriot Award, which Susan accepted.
“I’m here with you tonight because of my husband’s heart. Robin absolutely had the heart of a patriot,” she said. “I cannot think of a more fitting award for him, nor one that he would be more proud to receive, especially in the presence of all of you.”
She described her husband s a “warrior” in his fight against the disease, which causes memory loss, confusion and a reduced attention span according to CNN.
The comedian died after committing suicide in 2014 and it was later reveald through his autopsy that he was suffering with the disease.
“The biggest battle of his life was against Lewy Body Disease,” she continued. “This terrifying disease attacks the brain. No matter how many doctors we saw, symptoms we chased, or tests we ran, it was only in autopsy that I learned we had unknowingly been battling a deadly disease.
“A disease for which there is no cure. The devastation on Robin’s brain from the Lewy bodies, was one of the worst cases medical professionals have ever seen. Yet throughout all of this, his heart remained strong.”
“Robin may have lost his battle here against LBD. But he did not lose the war. No, he’s not done yet. The way I see it, he has brought the light of dawn to a new mission for all of us. That mission is to eradicate brain disease. I feel as though I am his boots on the ground now—I look up and know I am not alone.”
Susan then brought the room to tears as she revealed it was the couple’s wedding anniversary.
“It feels like Robin wanted me here on this day to celebrate with all of you, with our best man Bobcat Goldthwait, and with our maid of honour Jean Horn. I also think my honey may have wanted me to put on a pretty dress and to just feel the love in this room tonight”
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