Nathaniel Bieber, our vibrant and dear 16-year-old friend, has been in the pediatric ICU since September 6 following sudden cardiac arrest caused by a rare heart condition. As of the start of this campaign, Nathaniel has undergone cardiac surgery and has regained consciousness, but has not been released from the ICU. His rehabilitation will include cognitive work. The team caring for him are hopeful that with rehab, he will make a good recovery. 

This campaign is to support the family as they plan for Nathaniel's ICU care, surgery and other medical interventions, rehabilitation, and the collateral costs of adjusting to life with ongoing care. The current goal may very well increase as the costs of even just a few days in the pediatric ICU, even with insurance paying its portion, become clear.  

Nathaniel is a high-school junior. What can I say, as a mom to one of his closest friends? He and his siblings are some of the most shining humans you'll meet. At 16, he is full of promise and enthusiasm for life. Even after all he's been through, even with a long road ahead of him to full recovery, Nathaniel is smiling and making new friends.

For those who might not have encountered the Biebers before, it's my pleasure to celebrate this beloved family with a few words.

Ed Bieber, Nathaniel's dad, has been educating children and adults about the natural world in Rockland County for over 40 years. He's inspired thousands who have observed nature through his eyes to a greater love for the world and its living things. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease soon after Nathaniel's birth, Ed continued to run the Nature Place Day Camp, and while he has had to withdraw in recent years, to this day he remains committed to the vital task of helping children to fall in love with the world.

Jill Bieber, Nathaniel's mom, recently decided to devote her full attention to the partnership that Ed will need as his Parkinson's advances. Before this, she was an early childhood educator and then became an advocate for elder care. She is ever ready to turn her knitting skills and her loving warmth to caring for her community and the people around her. She is the kind of friend who will never share a complaining word about herself if she knows you are in need . . . I doubt that anyone who's been with her in recent days has seen her without her usual serene smile, but as an old friend (my own youngest son was born within a month of Nathaniel and they've been close friends ever since), I can attest on her behalf that Nathaniel's ordeal has been almost beyond bearing.

Jill and Ed have been gratefully sustained by the community's outpouring of love. Many have asked: How can we help? This is how. Please contribute what you can to this campaign and share this fundraiser with friends, family, and colleagues, along with Nathaniel's story. 

That's all. Thanks for reading the Biebers' story! And on the Biebers' behalf, thanks for contributing toward Nathaniel's ICU hospitalization, surgical and other interventions, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. 

Donna Miele is a long-time friend of the Bieber family. Contact her with questions through this fundraiser.