Team Ernie! #KickCovidsAss

Anyone who knows Ernie knows that he is a gem. Like a rare gem that you dig to the ends of the earth to find not just a plain ol’ Petoskey stone.

Raised as a man of God he has continued to raise his children knowing that the Lord is the head of the house and with him all things are possible.

Ernie is strong. He is a role model that his children, nieces and nephews all look up to. He has taught them the value of family. A strong work ethic. The importance of loyalty and determination. And most importantly how to love unconditionally.

Although the baby, he is the glue of his family and the piece that holds them all together despite difficult times.

I think that’s what makes this even harder. The rock of the family, the one who is always strong and persevering is now the weakest.

During his time of need we need to rally the way he would for each of us.

On July 12, 2021 Ernie tested positive for COVID 19. Although fevered and tired he was generally okay. But on July 22, 2021 his breathing was labored and Nicole took him to the hospital where he was admitted. As the days went by he grew weaker but the hospital didn’t have room for him in the ICU.

On Tuesday, July 27, 2021 he was intubated and put on a ventilator. Within a few hours both of his lungs collapsed.

The hospital he was at was not equipped to provide the care that Ernie needed yet they were unwilling to transfer him to somewhere that could.

Thankfully with the help of family perseverance and connections, he was air lifted to Holy Cross in Fort Lauderdale on July 30, 2021.

Ernie is currently in the Critical Care Unit where he is receiving the best care from the doctors and nurses. Every day they work with him towards recovery. Although they are baby steps, they are steps in the right direction and we are so grateful for this.

We know Ernie is strong! We all know that he will fight his hardest to get back to his beloved wife Nicole and their two children, Logan and Eliana. They are the light of his life!

With any good fight will come obstacles. Most obstacles he will overcome like the champion we all know and love. But some of the obstacles will be out of his control and that’s where we come in. His friends and family that love him so much can help propel this family and alleviate some of the burdens that they will face. Because this is what Ernie would do for us!

This GoFundMe is set up to help Ernie and Nicole with medical expenses, provide a hotel for Nicole and the kids to stay in while Ernie is fighting and for the long haul these funds will help them with general living expenses while they are not working.

Any excess funds will be donated to a local charity.

Should you have any specific questions relating to how you can help, please reach out to Bobbie Sue Young (Ernies eldest niece).

Please know that God hears our prayers and every single prayer makes a difference.

On behalf of the entire family, we thank you for any contribution whether it be monetary or prayers.

Ernie, you fight like hell! You’ve got an army of supporters who’ve got your back!

#teamernie #kickcovidsass