Rocketry Planet

BENTON, Kentucky USA — Gerald Wallace of BoRocks Rocketry Systems has officially announced the closure of the company following extended personal difficulties he has encountered in the aftermath of a cerebrovascular accident he experienced earlier this year.

"In early 2008 I had a stroke," Wallace said in a personal communication to Rocketry Planet, "and while initial recovery looked good, I have reached a roadblock."

Wallace lost his ability to conduct activities that require the use of finite extremity control, a common occurrence during a stroke,  making kit design, construction, assembly and testing an impractical experience.

"In a nutshell I have very little use of my fine motor skills and it is virtually impossible for me to do any kind of design or assembly work," Wallace said. "I have no choice but to shut down permanently."

Combined with mounting medical bills and lost work, Wallace faces a rough road ahead, where he will be forced to stay on a part-time work schedule for the next several months as he continues rehabilitative therapy.

But Wallace is in good spirits and wanted to thank everyone for the personal messages and emails that well-wishers had sent.

"I appreciate the PM's and emails, but their is no way I can reply to them all," Wallace said. "I tried to come back and be part of the community, I even posted a little bit but I didn't realize how hard it would be to be 'just' a spectator and not a participant."

For now, Wallace will concentrate on getting better, so that hopefully one day he can return to the hobby he enjoyed so much.

"I miss the community and the launches," Wallace added, "and maybe in time I can get back at least close to where I was."

Reader comments:

#1 Re: Article: BoRocks Rocketry Systems officially closed

That is too bad. I was just thinking the other day about all the names I used to see in the forums that I didn't see anymore and BoRocks was one of them.

Take care Gerald and we hope to see you around soon.

skycopp on 12-31-2008 08:22 AM

#2 Re: Article: BoRocks Rocketry Systems officially closed

Sad news.

Wishing you well Gerald.

Indiana on 12-31-2008 08:32 AM

#3 Re: Article: BoRocks Rocketry Systems officially closed

Gerald

Get well soon. If you wanna shoot the breeze call me anytime

Uncle Mikes Rocket Shack on 12-31-2008 09:30 AM

#4 Re: Article: BoRocks Rocketry Systems officially closed

This IS a bummer! I will charish the time I spend when I build one of his kits I have in my build pile. Take care Gerald!

pantherjon on 12-31-2008 10:04 AM

#5 Re: Article: BoRocks Rocketry Systems officially closed

Gerald,
Sorry to hear this I wish you a full recovery and a better New Year with 2009.
Sheri

Sheri on 12-31-2008 10:51 AM

#6 Re: Article: BoRocks Rocketry Systems officially closed

Cripes! That is a major bummer...
Get back on your feet soon Gerald.

Pem Tech on 12-31-2008 11:04 AM

#7 Re: Article: BoRocks Rocketry Systems officially closed

My prayers will be with you please recover soon.

flyemhighrockets on 12-31-2008 11:52 PM

#8 Re: Article: BoRocks Rocketry Systems officially closed

I never bought one of the kits, but I hope you recover soon.

cwbullet on 01-01-2009 11:55 AM

#9 Re: Article: BoRocks Rocketry Systems officially closed

Gerald, get well soon!

Hotrod Lincoln on 01-01-2009 01:01 PM

#10 Re: Article: BoRocks Rocketry Systems officially closed

Gerald, your story strikes close to home for me. My father had a stroke after open heart surgery last year. After many months of rehab, he has regained almost everything and is back to about 95-97% of what he had before. He started doing better once he started thinking about playing golf again and I truly think that was the driving force behind his recovery. I'll be at their house tomorrow to celebrate his 80th Birthday!

My suggestion is to use rocketry as your driving force! Also, listen to what the rehab people say, they really know how to get you back in the game.

Get well and I hope to see you on a launch field in the future!

randym on 01-01-2009 08:35 PM

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