Eric Bernabei Memorial - Newlywed Loses Battle

Eric Bernabei Memorial following a 12 Week Nightmare with Stomach Cancer

Update: 4/11/23

On April 6, 2023, we lost our beloved Eric Bernabei. He was such a brave fighter. His journey on earth ended in the arms of the love of his life, Amanda along with large group of those who loved him beyond measure. We know his pain is over but his loved ones has just begun. It has been an incredibly challenging time as this illness nightmare started only a few days after their honeymoon. Eric was such a hard worker and worried himself sick that he was leaving behind a huge mountain of medical debt and final expenses.

Originally, we were raising funds to help offset the lost wages, extra bills and travel expenses they were facing. Now we are trying to protect their assets and assist with that mountain of medical bills that are stacking up from five hospitals, doctor's offices, surgeons, ambulance rides, and final expenses. This is completely a financial crisis.

I promised Eric, we would do what we could to make sure his new bride and son Landon were taken care of. In order to do that, I'm hoping for assistance in lifting some of their financial burden as they navigate this path of grief.

Much love to you all and thank you for helping us lift some burden during the darkest of days.

Betty

Original Gofundme Story:

Hi! My name is Betty Glynn and Eric Bernabei is my amazing cousin, favorite human, biggest cheerleader, hardest worker and special to anyone who is lucky enough to know him.

On January 7th, Eric and his long-time love Amanda finally had their dream wedding in picture-perfect Punta Cana. The world was finally making sense for the family of three. Several days after returning home from their honeymoon, Eric was taken to the local hospital with severe abdominal pain. A few hours after arrival, it was determined that he was in need of emergency surgery for a small hole in his stomach. His labored breathing, hypertension and extreme pain was quite alarming for a man who was fine just hours prior.

Once discharged, the active forty-year-old was unable to keep food or liquids down and truly beyond sick. A return to the hospital was necessary which eventually found his family requesting a transfer for a higher level of care. His Super Bowl Sunday festivities sure were different as this happy-go-lucky young man traveled to Peoria in the back of an ambulance on a quest to get back to normal.

A stent was placed and inflammation discovered. While in there, a biopsy was finally taken but it was not focused on as the belief was ulcer related. The newlyweds had no idea what was yet to come.

On February 20th, as he was in the middle of being discharged, a team arrived with news the biopsy results indicated a stomach cancer diagnosis. A port was inserted and discharged for home to prepare for chemotherapy. Sadly, he was in his bed for only two nights but the pain and inability to even keep water down led him back to the hospital and another transfer to Peoria where he has been since. A new stent inserted and the devastating news that he is facing Stage 4 Stomach Cancer with no treatment plan being suggested. None. Zero. Not even a chance to fight this beast.

Those close to Eric have witnessed the outstanding and loving care he provided to his now wife five years ago when she battled breast cancer with serious complications. This came on the heels of his mother’s battle with breast cancer. Sadly, while she battled his father did as well and succumbed to lung cancer. If that wasn’t devastating enough, he has since lost his dear aunt and uncle to the disease! He has been hit so very hard.

The only hope we have is to find a team and facility willing to offer him an opportunity to fight for his life. He deserves the chance to FIGHT. This can only happen far from home which is yet another challenge. He is a proud hard working Laborer of LIUNA Local 393. The unexpected lost wages for both of them and the mounting bills is added stress. Eric is an amazing provider who is now worried about his new bride and bonus son Landon. His love for his family and friends is second to none.

Please help us in our journey for Eric and Amanda to have a chance at their Happily Ever After. Eric is loved beyond measure and we are not giving up on the best bear hugger in the world. He is simply our person.

Thank you from the bottom of our aching hearts,

Betty Glynn