At a recent fundraising gala for the Scleroderma Research Foundation, actor John Stamos received the prestigious Bob Saget Legacy Award, recognising his commitment to raising awareness and funds for scleroderma research. The event, named the Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine, took place on October 13 and saw Stamos being honoured for his contributions, inspired by his late friend, Bob Saget.
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Stamos, aged 63, expressed his heartfelt emotions concerning the award before the night’s festivities began, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of receiving the accolade without Saget by his side. “It makes me sad that Bob’s not here giving it to me,” Stamos shared. He continued, “Whatever few awards or things that I’ve received over the years, this is the most important to me. Especially to carry on.”
The award is a tribute to Saget’s legacy in advocating for scleroderma awareness, a drive he undertook following the death of his sister from the autoimmune disease in 1994. Stamos elaborated on the impact Saget has had on his life and others, noting, “People leave behind a legacy… Bob left this behind… This is something to leave behind. And I just want to really acknowledge that.”
Although Dave Coulier, who starred alongside Stamos and Saget in the beloved sitcom “Full House,” was unable to attend the event, he shared his congratulations through a heartfelt video message. The actor, known for his role as Joey Gladstone, humorously remarked that he was “on a tractor in Michigan” at the time of the gala. Despite his absence, he celebrated Stamos’s achievement with warmth and affection, stating, “I want to congratulate you, John, on receiving the Bob Saget Legacy Award. You and Bob have always been like beautiful sisters to me, and I love you very much.”
Coulier’s message resonated with the audience, capturing the essence of their longstanding friendship. He wrapped up his remarks with a jovial impression of Stamos, providing a light-hearted moment amid the seriousness of the cause.
In recent years, Coulier has faced his own health challenges. He was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in November 2024, but within five months, he triumphantly announced he was cancer-free. However, he later faced a tongue cancer diagnosis in December 2025, before revealing that he was in remission by February 2026. His personal journey underscored the importance of advocacy and support within the community, a sentiment that the night’s proceedings echoed.
The bonds formed between Stamos, Saget, and Coulier extended beyond their on-screen personas as they navigated substantial personal hardships. Stamos recounted how the trio became closer after being united by the struggles of family illnesses, saying, “Bob’s sister got scleroderma, which he spent the rest of his life advocating for. Dave’s sister got cancer, and my sister was diagnosed with a brain tumour.” He noted that this common ground turned them from “three guys on a show” into “three brothers grieving our sisters,” thus deepening their connection.
Their friendship flourished over the years, providing each other with a support system through life’s ups and downs. Stamos reflected on the valuable lessons learned from both Saget and Coulier, illustrating the profound effect they had on each other’s lives. “But then Bob, we just ended up being best friends. And then we were just there for each other through all the ups and downs of life,” he reminisced.
The loss of Saget on January 9, 2022, at the age of 65 was a significant blow to both Stamos and Coulier. Saget passed away from blunt head trauma due to an unwitnessed fall in his hotel room, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and advocacy that continues to influence the lives of those he touched.
As Stamos accepted the Bob Saget Legacy Award, he reiterated the importance of ongoing advocacy for scleroderma research, leaving attendees inspired to contribute to the cause while also cherishing the memories of their dear friend. His recognition goes beyond mere accolades; it serves as a reminder of the profound impact individuals can have in addressing health challenges that affect countless lives.