Fundraiser for Eric and Audrey Ekstrom

Hi,

My name is Kate Lynch (Glathar), and I am raising funds on behalf of my beloved sister, brother-in-law, and their soon-to-come baby boy.

On July 13th the unimaginable happened to our family when my brother-in-law, Eric, suffered a catastrophic accident while on a trip to Ocean City, Maryland. Eric was getting out of the water when he was struck by a wave in such a way that caused him to lose consciousness. He was airlifted to the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland where our worst fears were confirmed; Eric had suffered a neck and spine injury which has rendered him unable to move or feel anything from his neck down.

My sister, Audrey Ekstrom (Glathar), is 7 months into a high-risk pregnancy. With the support and guidance of her OB, she flew to Maryland on the next available plane. She spent the next day in the hospital waiting room as Eric underwent an extensive 12-hour surgery to decompress and stabilize his spine. She has not left his side since.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to know and love Eric and Audrey know that they are two of the kindest, most selfless people to have ever lived. Eric is a beloved history teacher, who sparks his student's interest with his fun-loving charisma and wit. To know Eric is to instantly feel at home in his presence. He is the most welcoming person you will ever meet.

As Audrey's sister, I've had the fortune of being by her side through many of life's biggest events and I can say without question that Eric couldn't have a better partner by his side right now. After our grandmother suffered a traumatic brain injury, Audrey's passion for helping others inspired her to become a nurse. She has been caring for our family and others ever since. As a nurse, Audrey specializes in oncology, where she cares for her patients and coworkers like family. There is no one in this world more loving and compassionate.

Both Eric and Audrey are going to make the most incredible parents.

Audrey is currently pregnant with her and Eric's first child. As a high-risk pregnancy, she is scheduled to be checked into the hospital on August 1st, where she will wait out as much of her pregnancy as possible under observation before delivering via c-section. It is most likely that her baby will be in the NICU for at least a couple of weeks after delivery.

Eric is not expected to be discharged from the hospital in Maryland for at least a month, after which he will need extensive inpatient rehabilitation. We are currently exploring all options, as Audrey wishes to give birth to their son in the same hospital as Eric.

Right now between both Eric and Audrey's complex medical needs there are many unknowns. However, one thing for certain is that they are in desperate need of all of our financial support. With both Audrey and Eric out of work for some time, medical bills are already piling up. We are also looking into medical transportation for Eric so that he may be transferred closer to home and wheelchair-accessible housing for Eric, Audrey, and their newborn.

Eric is strong and we are all hopeful that he and Audrey will someday be able to share their hobbies of traveling and hiking with their son.

Please, if you can, give what you can. I promise you, there is no couple more deserving.