The mission of the foundation is not to provide money for research, but to provide funds to families who have encountered financial difficulties. Building a ramp for a wheelchair to gain access to a residence, a shower chair, and even a simple wheelchair cushion all cost money. Many families have trouble affording these essential items because of the mounting medical costs associated with the disease. By providing these funds the foundation hopes to enhance and enrich the lives of those with Muscular Dystrophy.
Eric's Story Eric grew up in Des Plaines, a suburb of Chicago, and he attended Orchard Place Elementary school, Iroquois Jr. High and Maine East High School. He participated in sports, extracurricular activities and made hundreds of friends. Upon graduating from Maine East he was accepted and attended Northern Illinois University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. He was immediately employed by the Sears Roebuck Company, and as an employee moved quickly through the ranks and became a very respected systems analysist. Eric’s life doesn’t sound any different than a life that you or I live, but Eric’s life was special. Eric suffered from a form of Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD also known as pseudohypertrophic). Duchenne MD is the most deadly out of more than 40 neuromuscular diseases currently known. Eric watched as many of his closest friends lost their battle with the disease in high school, but it never broke his spirit. He lived longer than most afflicted with Duchenne MD, because of his love for life. The Eric Elias Foundation was created by friends and family who he touched and they want his love of life never to be forgotten.
|
2nd Annual Benefiting the Eric Elias Foundation, starts at Conrad's Harley Davidson, Shorewood, IL
Check out photos from the 2010 Dinner Dance and become a Fan of the |
|