Eric "E" Uzelac needs our help.

Hi! My name is Amy Sue, and I have been friends with Eric "E" for well over a decade. I'm starting this gofundme to request your help, support, love, prayers and encouragement during this extremely challenging time. Some of you may know, though I know most of you do not know the close walk along death's doorway, which Eric has been flirting with since late November. Eric went to visit John in Virginia a week before Thanksgiving and he came down with an awful cold putting him in the ER, which would prove be the beginning of a nightmare for Eric, John, close friends and family. Eric was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, which continued to worsen over time. He had to be intubated on Dec 14th and was in an induced coma for nearly six weeks, while doctors worked tirelessly to get rid of the infection. He was eventually put on dialysis when his kidneys stopped functioning and it was looking very grim. Family flew up to say their goodbyes on New Year's Eve. Miraculously, he began to stabilize, and over the next couple weeks they were able to begin to wean him off of dialysis. He was given a tracheotomy and a feeding tube on January 10th, and the team began nursing him back to health. For an undetermined reason, he was not waking up though. Brain scans were coming up clear, so prayers continued. January 19th, Eric finally woke up from his month long hibernation and blew a kiss to John, which was a HUGE win. John had not missed a day by Eric's side since he went into the hospital in mid November, and with restored faith and optimism the journey continued. As Eric stabilized and no longer needed dialysis, they were able to transfer him to a rehabilitation center in Alexandria, a suburb of DC, at the beginning of February. He is slowly and steadily gaining strength, lung capacity and his sassy, hilarious personality is resurfacing. He will be in the rehabilitation center until he no longer needs the assistance of a ventilator, which they are slowly weaning him off. He has had the comfort of having his mother and many other friends and family members sitting with him in the hospital, praying from afar, and taking care of Eric's responsibilities back home. This amazing care team left Eric with nothing to do other than rest, heal, and gain his strength back. It has been incredible to see all of the love and support surrounding him during this terrifying, roller-coaster of a journey.

It was impossible to come up with a number that would cover the tremendous, astronomical expenses endured, and the costs which will continue to build as Eric will require lots of help ahead. If you are able to help financially, it will be greatly appreciated, but if you can't please send prayers, love, encouragement, and share this gofundme so we can spread the word. Thank you for your help. It truly takes a team.