My name is Eidan Bereby and I am raising funds for medical support for a dear friend of mine called Mordechai, and here is his story:

SMERKIN FAMILY JOURNEY

Our journey as a family began in 2007 when we were married, full of hope and committed to building a meaningful life together while contributing to our community. In 2009, we were blessed with the birth of our son, a moment that brought immense joy into our lives. However, as he grew, we began to notice developmental concerns, and at the age of three, he was diagnosed with moderate autism. Today, at seventeen years old, he remains non-verbal and requires ongoing, full-time support.

In 2012, we welcomed our daughter, who brought additional happiness into our family. While she is verbal, she was also diagnosed with autism, meaning both of our children require specialized care and understanding as they navigate the world. For several years, despite the challenges, we managed to maintain stability. My wife was pursuing her university education, and together we worked tirelessly to build a secure future for our family.

In 2019, our lives took a difficult turn when I began experiencing symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). Initially, I believed it was simply fatigue from working long hours, often up to 60 hours a week. However, my condition progressively worsened. Due to the pandemic, I was unable to receive a formal diagnosis until February 2021, when a severe medical emergency changed everything. I suffered an eye stroke and collapsed at home, unable to move or respond. Emergency responders had to break into my home to reach me and transport me to the hospital. It was there that a neurologist delivered the life-altering diagnosis.

Despite my declining condition, I tried to continue working until I reached a point where I could no longer move my legs. This placed my wife in an incredibly difficult position—she became the primary provider, caregiver, and mother to two children with special needs, all while continuing her university studies. As my condition progressed, I became fully dependent on a wheelchair and required in-home medical care. The emotional and physical toll on our family has been profound.

My wife, carrying immense pressure, began coping through emotional eating, which led to significant weight gain and eventually a diagnosis of diabetes. One of the most painful aspects of this journey has been witnessing the impact on my family. Our daughter has struggled with anger and confusion as she tries to understand the changes in my health. She often expresses how much she misses the father I used to be, which is heartbreaking to hear.

Despite everything, my wife demonstrated incredible resilience, spending 12 years in rigorous study to complete her education in 2025. She now holds a Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis, a Master of Science in Psychology (Mental and Behavioral Health), and a Master of Social Work. She currently works many hours as an independent contractor for special needs kids, always dedicating herself to helping others even as she manages our home. However, the cost of this education has left us with $220,000 in student loans—a staggering weight that, combined with my medical needs, feels impossible to carry.

The physical reality of our home life has also reached a breaking point. We live in a rental property with no handicap amenities, making it nearly impossible to navigate in a wheelchair. Because of these barriers, I am currently forced to remain in my chair 24 hours a day, including for sleeping and using the bathroom. We are in urgent need of specialized medical equipment that would allow me to transfer to a bed and a shower safely. Having the proper tools to handle these basic human needs would provide a level of comfort and dignity that is currently out of reach.

We humbly reach out to the community with hope and gratitude. We know the strength, compassion, and generosity that exists within the Jewish community. Any support you may be able to provide would help ease the immense burden on my wife and provide the essential equipment needed to make my daily life more manageable. Your kindness would make a meaningful difference in our lives during this incredibly difficult time.