Friday September 28th Eric started in his high school football game against the Huskies. Lisa was selling popcorn and Ron was in the stands showing his pride for his son, a receiver for the Northwestern Tigers (#22). On Monday evening we were telling Eric that he had cancer. Tuesday we were in the Riley Children's Hospital intensive care unit. Wednesday we were in a surgery waiting room for 4 hours. Through all of this we have seen some pretty amazing things. We have seen teenage boys show up on our front porch to cry with Eric, and we have seen fraternity brothers drive an emotional Daniel home from college just to be with Eric for a few hours. More importantly we have seen God working through doctors, kids, and strangers in the waiting room. BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!
Eric’s mother, Lisa Metz, has been keeping a journal throughout this journey. She posts frequently about Eric’s progress, and the struggles and blessings he and his family have encountered along the way. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ericmetz is the website where you can read all about Eric and his journey.
Related Sites:
Livestrong Foundation
American Cancer Society
Supersibs (Siblings of Cancer Patients)
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Cure Search
Pediatric Cancer Foundation
A Special thanks to our sponsors:
Riley Children's Foundation
Mike Raisor Automotive Group
If you would like to become a sponsor, E-mail us at metz@ericmetzwinthisbattle.org
This is Eric's Story
Origin of the Fund
Eric's determination and perseverance during his cancer journey inspired a friend and admirer of his to donate $50,000 to found The Eric Metz 'Win This Battle!' Fund at Riley Children's Foundation. His donation came with two conditions: that the fund be named in Eric's honor and that Eric be designated as the one to determine how the fund was to be used. Eric announced that he did not want the initial $50,000 to be spent immediately. Rather, he wanted to raise additional funds to create an endowment. The funds would be invested by the Foundation and the annual income would be used to provide support for the Oncology Unit at Riley Hospital. Eric immediately set out to raise more funds and within the first three weeks he had raised an additional $70,000 in contributions, $25,000 in pledges, and the donation of the 1955 Bel Air Wagon to be auctioned at the Kruse International Auction coming up that next Labor Day. Many dedicated volunteers and generous donors came together to raise more than $200,000.00 for the Fund in the first six months from its inception.The Fund is now endowed, which means it will continue in perpetuity to provide support for future pediatric oncology patients and their families at Riley Hospital for Children.Eric intends to continue fundraising efforts in the future and to be a lifelong contributor himself to the Fund. He believes that this endeavor is one way in which he can fulfill his "obligation of the cured," as Lance Armstrong described it in his book It's Not About the Bike.
"The Obligation of the Cured"
Shearer Printing
Come & Get it Catering
Patti Host, Host Designs
God has blessed this effort! He has inspired hundreds of people to volunteer their time and donate their treasure to help the Riley Kids. This Fund was created in June, 2008. As of February 13, 2009, the Fund has raised: $205,202.24!!
Thank you all for your support!
To make a contribution to the Fund, click the "DONATIONS" button above.
