Throughout childhood, my cousin Lori Ervin and her sisters (then known as the Goetz Girls)were a consistent, positive influence on myself and my siblings. Being a year behind Lori in school, she acted as friend, role model, and mentor. Now Lori has stepped up and is taking on an ambitious project in an effort to help my cause. The following is an announcement Lori made last week. Thank you, Lori, for picking up the torch for my recovery!
Dear Family & Friends,
On October 9, 2011, I am running the Chicago Marathon to raise money for my cousin, Eric Berkey. On January 27th of this year Eric slipped and fell off of the back of his boat while it was still on its trailer. He landed on his head and broke 3 vertebrae in his neck and injured his spinal cord. Eric is a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down. Eric is 40 years old.
Immediately following his accident, Eric’s family started a blog to chronicle his journey. Eric now updates it himself. You can follow along at www.theberkeyblog.blogspot.com.
Eric grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He attended Holy Name Grade School and Brother Rice High School (class of ’89). I have fond childhood memories of time spent with Eric and his siblings. We spent summers Up North at his family’s place on Mullet Lake, enjoyed many summer afternoons swimming in the Berkey pool and even carpooled for years to grade school and high school together. One thing has never changed over the years—Eric’s love of adventure and true enjoyment of life. Eric is a yacht captain, certified SCUBA instructor, has an MBA, and is a former professional ski patroller.
On May 16th, after 4 months in the hospital and a rehab facility, Eric went “home.” Eric’s sister, Molly, and her husband, Charlie, purchased a new home and made renovations so it would be accessible for Eric. He lives in San Diego with them and is making great progress. However, Eric’s road to recovery will be ongoing. The medical costs of a spinal cord injury can be staggering. The average yearly expense for a spinal cord patient with Eric’s level of involvement the first year after the injury is $712,308. Each subsequent year the average is $105,013. While insurance covers some of these expenses, there are many expenses above and beyond what insurance will pay. Some of these expenses include purchasing a car that is wheelchair accessible, hiring home health aides, and paying for emerging treatments and therapies.
This is where I am asking for your help. There are two ways to help Eric. The first is to keep Eric in your prayers as he meets new challenges each day. I also ask that if you are able, to make a donation to help with the significant expenses of a spinal cord patient. A special needs trust has been established for Eric. While these donations are not tax deductible, they do go directly to Eric via his trust. To make a donation via PayPal, click on the “Donate” button on the right side of Eric’s blog (www.theberkeyblog.blogspot.com), or you can write a check made payable to "The Eric J. Berkey 2011 Special Needs Trust" and send it to me at 4121 Antique Lane Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302.
As an alternative, you can also make a tax-deductible donation to the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF) and Catastrophic Injury Program, which offers fundraising assistance and support for those who have experienced a transplant or catastrophic injury. More information on how to donate to NTAF in Eric’s name can be found on his NTAF page, and if you plan to donate, you may want to consider checking with your employer to see if it will match your charitable contribution.
Eric has faced this life altering accident with an unbelievable attitude. His positive outlook and “can do” attitude are an inspiration to me. On October 9th in Chicago I will be running for Eric.
Thank you for your support,
Lori Ervin
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
September 4, 2011
Go Padres! While San Diego isn't exactly in the running for any title this season, I live here so they're my team. Today, I had the privilege of watching the Padres break a 9-game losing streak when they beat the Rockies 7-2. The combination of a good game, great company (Thank you Jasmyn and Dave!), and a wheelchair-friendly crowd made for an epic Sunday.
Since becoming wheelchair-bound, I have developed an aversion to crowds. Being a few heads shorter than when I was walking, I find myself struggling to blend with the flow of congested foot traffic. Despite copious apologies (both offered and accepted), the frequent near-misses inherent to navigating a crowded venue in a wheelchair can be flustering. But not today!
Doors were opened, paths were cleared, and not one child was run-over. Like Moses parting the Red Sea, I breezed through the crowd incident-free. Petco Park was a most gracious host and I look forward to going back! I hope to soon have the opportunity to test the waters at Qualcomm Stadium- go Chargers!
Cheers, Berkey
Since becoming wheelchair-bound, I have developed an aversion to crowds. Being a few heads shorter than when I was walking, I find myself struggling to blend with the flow of congested foot traffic. Despite copious apologies (both offered and accepted), the frequent near-misses inherent to navigating a crowded venue in a wheelchair can be flustering. But not today!
Doors were opened, paths were cleared, and not one child was run-over. Like Moses parting the Red Sea, I breezed through the crowd incident-free. Petco Park was a most gracious host and I look forward to going back! I hope to soon have the opportunity to test the waters at Qualcomm Stadium- go Chargers!
Cheers, Berkey
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