Caring Crutches Brings Comfort & Compassion to Neighbors in Need
In a place where connection defines community, Bob Kramer stands out as a shining example of the Del Webb community spirit.
Bob has called Sun City Palm Desert home since 1999. His journey from naval officer to tech executive, real estate leader, and dedicated community volunteer is inspiring on its own. His most recent endeavor, Caring Crutches, stands out as a true reflection of a deeper calling: to serve his community with dignity, empathy, and purpose.
For over a decade, Bob volunteered as a driver for Neighbors for Neighbors, providing transportation for residents and listening to their stories along the way. Time after time, he heard similar struggles: someone recovering from surgery or illness and in sudden need of medical equipment such as a walker, a wheelchair, or a knee scooter for just a few weeks. The cost of purchasing these items could be hundreds of dollars, yet borrowing them for short-term use was rarely an option.
“I realized how many neighbors were in need or had equipment sitting unused in their garage,” Bob recalls. “It just made sense to bring those together.”
That realization sparked the birth of Caring Crutches, a nonprofit community service now making a meaningful impact across all the Del Webb communities. Together with his partner, Susan Dubbs (who also serves as Treasurer) helped build a simple, affordable system: for just $40 a year, residents can borrow essential medical equipment for up to 60 days, with no extra fees for additional use within that membership year. Canes and crutches are always available for free, no membership required.
One recent story captures the heart of this mission: A fellow Sun City neighbor who is an active and energetic volunteer suffered a serious fall while visiting Seattle. She fractured a bone and faced a long recovery far from home. Her husband, committed to making her return as safe and smoothly as possible, turned to Bob for help. Together, they selected the right tools for her recovery: a wheelchair, a shower chair, and a sturdy walker with a seat and storage compartment. Down the line, she may need a bedside commode and a transportable walker—all available through Caring Crutches, without the financial burden.
Caring Crutches is a nonprofit community service that provides residents with free or low-cost access to medical mobility equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs. Designed to support recovery and independence, the program offers a convenient borrowing system for Del Webb residents, with no charge for canes and crutches, and an optional low- cost annual membership for access to additional equipment.
The total cost of these items could have exceeded $500, but thanks to Caring Crutches, the essential equipment was provided quickly and compassionately through the program’s modest membership. Her husband even installed grab bars at home to help her regain independence. Once she’s fully recovered, all the equipment will be returned, cleaned, cared for, and ready for the next neighbor in need. It’s the very definition of neighbors helping neighbors.
The equipment is available through a simple hotline call. Most requests are answered within 48 hours or often sooner.
Volunteers handle the logistics, such as coordinating pickups, returns, and keeping everything organized with care.
To Bob, Caring Crutches has become much more than lending equipment. It’s about offering peace of mind during uncertain times, lightening the load of illness or injury, and creating a stronger safety net for everyone in the community.
With over 50 items already in rotation and a goal of growing to over 100, Bob is inviting the community to be part of his mission. Volunteers are needed to help return calls, and manage inventory and storage sites. Donations of gently used medical equipment are welcome, and because Caring Crutches is a registered 501(c)(3), donations are tax-deductible too!
As Bob says: “Let’s make this work together.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from Caring Crutches or if you’d like to volunteer, donate equipment, or simply connect with Bob, please reach out. This is your community, and Caring Crutches is here for you.
Contact Bob Kramer, Project Director
Caring Crutches Hotline: (760) 469-9244
Direct Cell: (760) 992-6877
Email: [email protected]
