Bernie suffered a severe stroke in November of 2020 and he is currently receiving treatment at a facility in Toms River, NJ called the Arbors Care Center. Although he remains in high spirits and understands what friends and family are saying to him, his speech is impaired and he is partially paralyzed on the right side of his body. In consultation with his family and professionals in this area, we believe that Bernie would benefit from some additional speech and physical therapy to ensure that he continues to develop and receives the best possible care.

His sisters have established a Special Needs Trust to be used exclusively for his supplemental care and therapy. Any unused contributions to the Trust will be donated to the William & Mary Football Program in his honor. 

Thanks so much for thinking of Bernie as he continues to make progress on the road to recovery.

On behalf of his family, friends, former teammates and fraternity brothers,

Mario Shaffer