Friends for Eric
getting by with a little help from his friends...
getting by with a little help from his friends...
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Welcome!
Eric and his wife Claire in 2002
Eric communicating with his
optically-controlled computer
optically-controlled computer
Eric Valor had just turned 36 when he was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Before this time, he was an avid surfer, snowboarder and scuba diver. The continued advance of ALS led to his early retirement by February 2008. In July, Eric suffered a pulmonary event that required a tracheotomy and the permanent use of a ventilator. By this time he had also lost his ability to eat and was fed through a tube to his stomach.
For over a year now, Eric has required 24/7 ventilation monitoring and care. He is completely dependent on a team of health caregivers, his wife Claire, and local family members, all of whom are specifically trained for ALS patient care and ventilation management.
Unfortunately, insurance does not extend benefit coverage for paid caregivers and funds are continuously needed to help maintain Eric’s quality of life at home. There are no extended care facilities that serve patients like Eric, people who are completely dependent on a ventilator and need constant monitoring by others to survive.
Eric's team of caregivers is Tikiko Lesuma, his brother Silva Ravonoso, and their friend Laisenia Qarase. They take fine care of Eric and have become extended family.
If you would like to help, please click the How You Can Help link on the left. No donation is too small.
You can read Eric's updates or you can contact him directly via email at ericv@cruzio.com.
Last year the Santa Cruz Sentinel published an article about Eric. Read the article at http://www.scsextra.com/story.php?sid=78971
Eric's story has been published on The Huffington Post.
The Santa Cruz Sentinel did a follow-up on Eric.
For over a year now, Eric has required 24/7 ventilation monitoring and care. He is completely dependent on a team of health caregivers, his wife Claire, and local family members, all of whom are specifically trained for ALS patient care and ventilation management.
Unfortunately, insurance does not extend benefit coverage for paid caregivers and funds are continuously needed to help maintain Eric’s quality of life at home. There are no extended care facilities that serve patients like Eric, people who are completely dependent on a ventilator and need constant monitoring by others to survive.
Eric's team of caregivers is Tikiko Lesuma, his brother Silva Ravonoso, and their friend Laisenia Qarase. They take fine care of Eric and have become extended family.
If you would like to help, please click the How You Can Help link on the left. No donation is too small.
You can read Eric's updates or you can contact him directly via email at ericv@cruzio.com.
Last year the Santa Cruz Sentinel published an article about Eric. Read the article at http://www.scsextra.com/story.php?sid=78971
Eric's story has been published on The Huffington Post.
The Santa Cruz Sentinel did a follow-up on Eric.
