John Raab is keenly aware that coping with the challenges of life is not accomplished alone. He has learned that successfully moving forward means maintaining inner strength by renewing and sustaining, through spirituality and the positive power of others.

A native of the Kansas City area, Raab was born Oct. 7, 1937. His first health challenge began soon thereafter, when at 2 years of age he contracted polio.

"I have vivid memories of going to the hospital as a child to receive therapeutic whirlpool baths to help retain muscle use," Raab said. "The water therapies that were provided were a great help in combating the destruction of muscles that polio brought."

Raab's early bout with polio did not interfere with his determination to complete grade school and high school, and he graduated from St. Agnes Catholic School in Roeland Park.

Following high school he pursued a career with the Knaus Truck Line in Kansas City, Kan., working as an inventory clerk and servicing commercial trucks. The firm was later acquired by Consolidated Freight, where he completed a 35-year career helping to maintain the company's large fleet.

Raab married his wife, Jeaneane, in August 1971, when his wife was 23 and he was 34. They have three children—Mary Bridget and Lucy Beth, who live in the area, and Kevin, who lives in Denver.

Jeaneane was a special-education teacher for many years, working at the Lakemary Center (a nonprofit organization serving adults and children with disabilities and special needs); for Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kan.; and for 19 years at the Rising Star School in Lenexa. She was also an emergency medical technician and even a volunteer firefighter in Mission.

Raab's battle with yet another illness, rheumatoid arthritis, began when he was in his early 30s. Recently things have become more difficult for Raab, who lived in Overland Park with his wife for 38 years. New challenges have included losing one leg and a knee joint on his remaining leg. Raab now resides at Villa St. Francis, a skilled nursing facility in Olathe. Family and friends visit often.

Throughout his health challenges, Raab has remained positive and accepting.

"My wife and my friends, especially my incredible friend Joe Ramirez, have been tremendously helpful and a great strength for me," said Raab. "And spiritual strength helps a lot."
Social workers at Villa St. Francis say that Raab has made many friends at his new home and that he is actively engaged with other residents, making it easy for them to laugh and enjoy their daily and special activity times.

"The activity directors here are tremendous and there is much to do. I enjoy television, reading, activities, and getting to know others," said Raab. "I am also grateful to have the opportunity to attend Mass on a regular basis."

Although the transition to a nursing home setting has been difficult for Raab and his wife, Jeaneane continues to work in a family business that's named for her: Aunt Jean's Gelato in Shawnee. A family trip Jeaneane took to Italy helped spark the business venture, and now she enjoys working at the frozen confectionary establishment along with other family members.

"I do my best to maintain a positive attitude," said Raab. "I feel better, and having a negative attitude certainly does not change the situation—so, why not?"

Raab said that he has a lot to be grateful for and that his friends, family, and faith sustain him as he reflects more and more about the blessings and people that continue to surround him.