ROB BINGLER, 35 / Assistive Technology Professional, Trustcare Home Medical Equipment
Rob Bingler began the Trustcare HME branch in Roanoke, assisting disabled and elderly patients to obtain a quality of life most take for granted; he assesses their conditions and needs before designing, building (or obtaining) and delivering the necessary equipment. From disabled children playing at recess and fathers walking their daughters down the wedding aisle, to navigating complicated insurance coverage and caring for his own disabled brother, Bingler has helped countless people in their time of need. He works closely with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the ALS society in their local clinics, and has counseled kids at the MDA summer camp. “I love what I get the unique privilege to do,” Bingler says. “I get to give people back their mobility and independence. In a small way, I help them gain a life that makes living in a world not designed for differently-abled people a little bit easier and more fulfilling.”
- Is the preferred provider for both the MDA and ALS clinics at Carilion
- Works closely with the ALS association at Duke
- Works closely with patients and their medical team to assess condition and needs and designs, obtains, builds and delivers them high-end rehabilitative medical equipment
- Works closely with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the ALS society in their local clinics
- Gave counseling at the Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp
- Volunteers yearly at the MDA walk to help raise money to gun research for a cure
- Has been recognized by the MDA for volunteerism and advocacy as well as for Trustcare’s sponsorship of the MDA walk and camp
From the Nomination: “Rob Bingler is a different maker. He’s also helped countless more people to do something as simple as leave their beds for the first time in years to go to their own kitchen to make a meal or use a real bathroom instead of a bedpan. He does not seek fame or recognition, but still gets up every day and covers the many miles across the New River Valley and beyond to make sure each rural-isolated or home bound patient receives the care they deserve, too. … That sets Bingler apart is that he didn’t get into this kind of work to make money or make a name for himself, he did it because he knew the need that existed. … Ten years ago, Bingler’s abilities came into play … One evening on the way back from a football game, his younger brother went off the road and had a very serious car accident, and while his life was spared, his body was not. Bingler worked for years to give Matthew the best quality of life possible, even helping him obtain a breath-powered adaptive control for his Xbox so he could enjoy some of the simple activities that get taken for granted after suffering a serious life-altering injury. When Matthew passed away from complications related to his paralysis, we all knew his last years on earth wouldn’t have been half as good if it weren’t for Bingler’s hard work. What makes Bingler different is that he’s worked that hard for everyone he’s helped. His tenacity and drive know no bounds.”
What do you love about Roanoke?
Bingler: “Roanoke is a great place to live and explore with a down-home feel. I grew up outside Charlottesville in a small town … Roanoke has everything my family needs to live, work and enjoy ourselves and we have a great time here!”
How does your passion impact our community?
Bingler: “What I get to do helps to empower and strengthen our neighbors within our community living with unique challenges to some of life’s most seemingly simple tasks and I appreciate the opportunity to get to shed light on many of their unseen challenges and help them every day I head to work!”
