Beneficiaries
Michael Bergey
Michael Bergey’s expectations for a long and healthy life were placed in jeopardy following a tragic pool accident in August 2010. Michael was enjoying some free time with friends when he suffered a severe spinal cord injury after falling to the bottom of a pool. Michael is now a quadriplegic and dependent on a ventilator to breathe.
In 2010, as a result of a successful golf outing, the Merrick Family Foundation was able to donate funds to Michael to aid in his medical bills as well as to help his family acquire a van to assist with transportation to and from Michael’s doctor’s appointments.
Michael has since graduated from high school and recently acquired the van he so needed to aid in his successful recovery. We wish Michael all the best and will be sure to provide updates on his continued improvement.
Life Rolls On
Life Rolls On has a single mission: to improve the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. LRO proudly provides adaptive action sports programs; foster spinal cord injury awareness; and offers outreach to individuals and their families at the onset of injury. The Merrick Family Foundation donated funds to this cause in summer 2014.
Nicholas King
Nicholas is a 17 year old boy who was born with a genetic disorder called Tetrasomy 18p. In 2010 Nicholas also suffered a spinal cord injury. This family has spent many years in the hospital with their son and the emotional and financial impact is huge. Unfortunately, the husband lost his business of 15 years from the economy and it left them no choice but to reach out for help.
The Merrick Family Foundation donated funds to Nicholas and his family in order to pay for all care and incidentals not covered by insurance for 2014.
Emma Kuzmick
Emma was born in December 2008 and was shortly thereafter diagnosed with a very rare liver disease called biliary atresia. After an initial surgery in February 2009 and dozens of hospitalizations for various infections, viruses, and internal bleeds over the next 3 years resulting in almost 100 nights in the hospital, Emma’s long term prognosis was uncertain at best.
In February 2012 Emma’s health took a turn for the worst unexpectedly. Suffering from end stage liver failure the next and only course of action left was a liver transplant. After a long work up Emma’s mother, Tiffany, was found to be a match and on April 17, 2012 at A.I. du Pont Hospital for Children Emma’s failing liver was removed from her body and a piece of her Mommy’s liver was put inside of her.
The Merrick Family Foundation donated funds to help the family pay off current and future medical expenses. Both Tiffany and Emma have been recovering very well and are feeling great. Emma has even more energy and strength now, and spends her days like most little girls playing with her toys, her little brother, and her dog.