PHOTO: Robin Shankles with DeKalb County UA Alumni Club President and former Crimsonette, Ashley Wofford, who also took the field during the Alumni Game.
Marla Jones, Sports Editor
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In 1979, Robin Shankles stepped on the field as a Crimsonette with the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band representing DeKalb County. She marched the 1979 and 1980 season while the Crimson Tide was under the leadership of the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. The time that Robin spent at Tuscaloosa was a cherished memory, one that she held close to her heart.
As a tradition, Band Members return to the field for the Alabama Alumni Game each year. Robin never took the opportunity to return to the field. She devoted her time to raising her two children, Nick and Katie. Life has not always been easy for Robin, she lost her first born Nick to an automobile accident.
She was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis over ten years ago. Myasthenia Gravis is a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease which can cause extreme weakness in most of your body. You would never know by looking at Robin that she suffers a disability.
“In the past few years, I have took a different approach to my health,” said Robin Shankles. “I still deal with the symptoms almost every day to some degree but have decided to conquer my fear and take chances to enjoy life as much as I can.”
On last Saturday, Robin did just that. After thirty-six years, she stepped back on the field as an Alabama Crimsonette and marched with the band for the Alumni game.
“For years, I have literally dreamed that I was marching with the Million Dollar Band again,” Shankles said. “Because of my disability, I wouldn't even try.”
Shankles completed her routine and shined like the superstar she is despite the crippling heat that causes her disease to flare up.
“I loved the experience of once again being on the field with a spectacular college band and hearing the roar of the crowd. The opportunity was amazing” said Shankles.
“It not only brought back a lot of memories but my faith in God and people rose to new levels. By the strength from prayers and my God, I made it through all of those things amazingly," she said.
Things have changed in the years since Shankles wore the Crimsonette uniform last but her excitement still remains the same, “Unlike when I was marching as a Crimsonette years ago, this time I was able to stand on the field and take it all in, look over the crowd, see my husband and family sitting right in front of me, words cannot describe.” Shankles said.
Robin is an inspiration to so many.
She is one in a million and teaches others that despite your age or your illness, you have to live life to the fullest and overcome all your fears.
