Education Fund for the Heldenbergh Boys

The Burlington community mourns the tragic loss of Gary Heldenbergh, a beloved husband, father, and friend taken too soon by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). Gary's warmth and humor touched countless lives, but none more than his two sons, Ryan (18) and Tyler (16). As many of you know, thanks to your incredible support, we rallied behind Gary and his family on a previous GoFundMe in order to help alleviate the burden of the exceedingly high medical expenses brought on by this devastating disease. Now, as Ryan and Tyler navigate the profound grief of losing their father, they face the daunting challenge of securing their education without Gary's financial support so we are turning our focus to supporting Ryan and Tyler’s futures.

As a dedicated elementary school teacher, Patti, their devoted mom, has poured her heart into nurturing young minds. Now, she faces the unimaginable challenge of navigating not only her own grief, but also ensuring a stable future for Ryan and Tyler amidst the financial upheaval caused by Gary's illness.

Gary, the family's primary breadwinner, fought ALS with the same courage and determination he instilled in his sons. His absence leaves a significant financial gap, especially with respect to Ryan and Tyler's education. Tuition, textbooks, and living expenses feel overwhelming in the face of such profound loss.

We are reaching out to our community, asking for your help in supporting Ryan and Tyler. Every contribution, big or small, will go directly towards their educational expenses, easing the burden on Patti and allowing her to focus on supporting her sons through this difficult time.

Please consider donating to this fund and sharing it with your network. Every act of kindness, every dollar raised, will be a testament to the love and support that surrounds Ryan and Tyler during this difficult time. Together, we can ensure that Gary's memory lives on through the bright futures of his sons.