Eric's tragic event at a charity golf tournament

One single moment can have far reaching and life altering consequences. Our friend Eric was driving a golf cart down a hill when it suddenly flipped over on top of him. This accidental event led to a spinal injury that has left Eric paralyzed from the neck down.

September 17, 2021 was the Lil Warriors Charity Golf Tournament north of Dallas in Gunter, Texas, the event to which Eric was attending. Lil warriors is a non-profit organization partnering with families to provide financial assistance for families with children who are battling significant medical challenges. This is typical of his character being outdoors involved in giving back to his community. The irony of the situation is that Eric now needs our love, support, and financial help from others.

Eric was knocked unconscious by the full weight of the golf cart. Paramedics arrived and stabilized him to a spinal board. Air Med then transported him to the Plano Medical Center. It was determined at the hospital that his neck was broken at C5-C6. C6 is located at the base of the neck and provides flexibility and support to much of the head above. He has no recollection of the tragic event to the point where he woke up in the hospital. Doctors performed a laminectomy and fusion on the c-3 through c-7. At this point he has little feeling or movement from the neck down. Eric stayed in ICU for 2 ½ weeks recovering until he could be moved to Baylor Scott & White institute for rehabilitation in Dallas.

 

Eric lives in his house with his girlfriend Cindy Rutherford for the last 10 years. He has two beautiful children Easton 14 and Tatum 16 with Alison Harris his ex-wife. Eric is very active in his children’s lives and prides himself on being a good father. John B. Willard Eric’s Father and best friend passed away in April this year. This was a major event in his life as he and his father were very close. They enjoyed fishing, camping and outdoor events with John’s grandchildren and Jeremy Willard (brother). Janet Waller (mother) and Mike Waller (stepfather) live in Louisiana which is about 8 ½ hours away. Eric would make multiple trips each year to visit his mother and hang out with his close friends. A boat ride, fishing in the bayous or eating boiled seafood at his favorite restaurant Susie’s was a must on each visit. His daughter Tatum is not comfortable swimming with the alligators, but Easton has no fear and loves to be in the water swimming or tubing behind the party barge with the other Cajun kids. Eric has lifelong friends from Louisiana and Texas. He graduated from Morgan City High School in 1995.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The financial goal of this GO FUND campaign is to help cover some of the astronomical expenses; converting his house to be handicap accessible, special transportation vehicle, Insurance deductibles / Medical expenses and items to make his life more comfortable and normal.

 

These are just some of his expenses as we are learning more about his care needs along the way.

 

Any support would be greatly appreciated. God bless you.

 

We humbly ask that you share this Go Fund Me Campaign on your social media as it will get out to so many more people.

The need is great, and all sacrifices will be greatly appreciated.