On Saturday, December 14, 2024, we lost our superhero, Robert Steven Poe, affectionally know as Robbie. Make no mistake, Robbie was not defeated by his nemesis, brain cancer. He fought valiantly for 10 years, defying odds, and ultimately winning the battle in his own heroic way.
Today, we celebrate a warrior who is now free-no longer blind, no longer hard of hearing, and moving with the strength and grace of a true hero. This year, he gets to celebrate the biggest birthday party of all-with some of his loved ones and Jesus.
Robbie began his life quest on June 1, 1995, after 35+ hours of labor. It’s fair to say he made a dramatic entrance-perhaps holding out for the scent of bacon or simply operating on his own timeline, as only Robbie would.
From the start, Robbie charted a path that was uniquely his. He graduated from Holy Cross Lake Mary as a young boy with big dreams, and by 15, he had already earned the rank of Eagle Scout. A proud graduate of Winter Springs High School, he played the French horn and mellophone, participated in the Fellowship of Christians club, and was a regular at his church’s teen program. Robbie’s faith fueled his adventures, including mission trips with Pastor Nathan Wilder to places like Miami, and a transformative journey through Europe as a People-to-People Ambassador, where he met his dear friend Simon and his family in Austria.
January 2015, Robbie faced his greatest challenge when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain cancer. The doctors gave him 12–18 months to live, but Robbie, ever the witty superhero, joked, “Whew, so you’re saying it’s all in my head!” Unamused, the doctor said to him, “I don’t think you know how serious this is!” Again, Robbie’s quick-witted response came effortlessly: “Don’t worry, I’ll wrap my head around it.” When the doctor then told him the cancer was unbeatable, Robbie’s response was swift: “No, you need to understand something. I don’t lose. I will not only beat this-I will be the cure. So, you need to get on board with me!”
And fight he did. Like Wolverine, Robbie showed incredible resilience through five brain surgeries, two surgeries to place a shunt and Ommaya reservoir, endless treatments, clinical trials and chemo. Again, like Wolverine, Robbie continued to heal each and every time. Robbie didn’t face these battles quietly. He walked in dressed in funky t-shirts, onesies or costumes, simply determined to bring laughter and joy to everyone around him. He took pride in bringing joy especially when someone was having a bad day. Robbie was Captain America to so many, radiating hope and inspiring those lucky enough to cross his path.
Robbie wasn’t just a hero-he was part of a team.
Him, his dad and grandpa were the three Musketeers. His dad and grandpa dressed up alongside him, in the way Robbie wanted them to, taking him to appts and treatments. His siblings, Charles and Mikayla, took him on countless adventures, from shopping, movies, attending events and even Xbox marathons, with friends. His close friends-Soroush, Lexy, Carissa, Mariano, Brennan, and Kelly-helped him build LEGOs, create epic handshakes, and celebrate life to the fullest. Simon and Sabina, residing in Austria, played a significant role in Robbie’s life, forging enduring memories and establishing traditions that serve as a testament to his legacy even to this day.
Their and their family’s graciousness extended beyond borders, as they warmly welcomed us and facilitated a visit, ensuring that Robbie’s and our time with them was nothing short of extraordinary. Their profound impact on Robbie’s life, coupled with their unwavering commitment to hosting events that celebrate his remarkable spirit, hold immeasurable significance to all of us. We are forever grateful for their kindness and the lasting imprint they have left on Robbie’s journey.
While we may never fully comprehend the extent of Robbie’s impact on the lives of others, one thing remains indisputable: he lived a life of selflessness, consistently prioritizing the uplifting of those around him, even amidst his own battle. Robbie’s selflessness was so profound that he would actively request gatherings and celebrations, where his family and friends would wholeheartedly rally around him, offering unwavering support and mentorship to other families facing the challenges of cancer.
Attempting to individually thank and recognize the numerous deserving individuals would require paragraphs to adequately convey our appreciation. Therefore, we want everyone to know that we are profoundly grateful for each and every one of you. Your contributions and support have left an indelible impact, and we are truly thankful for your presence in Robbie and our lives.
Robbie’s incredible energy and spirit will be deeply missed by his parents, Nancy and Michael; his siblings, Charles and Mikayla; his grandparents, Bill and Barbara Poe; his aunts and uncles, Kathy, Charles, and Charles Brandon; step-aunts Nikki and Tiffany; great-uncle Bucky; cousins Katie, Ashley, Joshua, Austin, and Jacob; cousins Taylor and Brooke; great-uncle Dick and great-aunt Diana; cousins Chris, Jennifer, and their families; and his godmothers, Kristen and Kir.
We invite you to a Celebration of Life on January 25, 2025, at Dees Brothers Brewery, 210 Magnolia Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 from 3:30-6:30 pm. Afterwards, we head over to The Alley, one block away, 114 S Park Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 to watch Hypersona, Robbie’s favorite band. This date is especially meaningful as it marks what would have been Robbie’s 10th Cancerversary-a milestone he wanted to celebrate with laughter, love, and, of course, bacon.
Robbie’s wish is for everyone to refrain from sorrow in his absence. Instead, he desires to be remembered with joy, through laughter evoked by his memorable words and actions. As his family, we will strive to carry forward his incredible energy.
Robbie, you’ve left us with an extraordinary legacy. You taught us to laugh, to fight, to love fiercely, and to find joy even in the hardest battles. We love you immensely, we are so proud of you, and your absence is deeply felt. Rest easy, our superhero. Your story will inspire us forever.
In leu of flowers, we are asking for help with funding his Celebration of Life. You can donate at https://gofund.me/bfc66e11 or contact us on Facebook at #TeamRobbie.