Dear Editor:

January 14, 2025

It's Bob "the can man" Lieberman reaching out to again thank all the families, Lustra Cleaners, and the Old Colonial Cafe, among the businesses, for all their support helping me make 2024 another very successful year in collecting recyclable cans, plastic & glass bottles and cash donations. It helped me match last year`s $6683.60, that I donated to the MAKE-A-WISH of MA. & R.I.

Last year included the fact that I was hampered by a very painful right hip issue, which didn`t stop me from collecting, but thankfully, I started therapy in June and continued into Nov. at the Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, Inc. Norwood, MA. owned by John Vacovee, PT, CEO. John Puntieri, a therapist, handled my case, and was very effective, and helped strengthen the muscles in my right leg, along with the left leg, so that I could recover quicker. I had the surgery on December 11, 2024, at the Boston Medical Center, under the direction of Dr. Michael Kain, along with his operating room staff, and the hip operation was completed, and 33 days later, I have been able to walk around without any physical assistance, and heading in the right direction. The staff at the therapy location are very friendly, help you with your scheduling, and are very easy to talk too. I hope to go back to work at Roche Bros. in Westwood, MA., on a part-time basis, after my treatments are completed, and so I can collect the cans and bottles again. I have calculated the numbers, that I have totally collected, and they are over 300,000 items; that`s before I decided to become more involved with the charity. I have hopes of reaching 1,000,000 recyclables.

In 2023, I was asked If I would be interested in becoming a Co-Sponsor of their 1st Invitational MAKE-A-WISH Charity Golf Event, and since golf was my game for over 65 years, and once held a “2’ handicap, how I couldn`t possibly say no. The 2023 event was a huge success taking in over $60,000.00, and I was asked if I would Co-Sponsor it again in 2024. I told them I would continue to co-sponsor the event again. The 2024 event took place again at the same Golf Club, Hopkinton C.C. Hopkinton, MA., but my painful hip prevented me from attending the Oct. 8th date. I was heartbroken.

With this latest update, as of Jan. 14, 2025, I was re-evaluated by the Pathways Healthcare Group, and they have given me the green light to start light outdoor walking exercises, along with treatment from the Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Center of Norwood, MA., which will continue my leg strength exercises, and will enable me to get back to my old self again. I truly look forward to it.

I am now looking forward to the rest of 2025 to continue my efforts and help the children that need that medical treatment to survive, and defeat their ongoing battles. Their wishes can come true with your help, prayers, and donations as they battle their diseases. Their spirits are high and their smiles are huge.

Donations can be sent to:MAKE-A-WISH of MA. & R.I. 133 Federal St. 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02110 ATT.: Kara Walker

I wish everyone a belated Happy Holiday Season and a Happy and Healthy 2025. See you later on this year!!

Best regards, 

Bob Lieberman (THE CAN MAN)