It’s a terrible thing to lose someone. There’s no getting around that. But some people can take loss and find new purpose.
For Eric Marder’s family, that purpose became Eric’s Fund.
Eric’s Fund awards scholarships to students struggling with a primary immune deficiency disease (PI). It’s a very personal cause. The foundation’s namesake died at 28 years old from low platelets stemming from his Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID).
But before his death, Eric Marder had graduated from culinary school. His education led him to a career and a path in life that he loved.
His family now hopes the same for their scholarship winners. The foundation—once affiliated with the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF)—is an independent charity that gives away about 30-45 scholarships a year.
Best of all, the scholarship money, when awarded, goes directly to the students, not the school. That means it’s up to each student what they use the money for. Need it for tuition? Medical bills? Eric’s Fund doesn’t care about that—it cares about you.
So are you of college age? Dealing with a PI, such as Eric’s own CVID?
Here’s what’s you need for the Eric Marder Scholarship Fund program:
- PI diagnosis and an immunologist’s note to prove it
- Short autobiographical essay
- College acceptance letter
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application
Then, it’s as simple as following the instructions on the online form and seeing what happens.
The application deadline won’t come until April 30th this year, so you have a bit of time.
And Eric’s Fund isn’t going anywhere. It’s found its purpose and is here to stay.
Going to school with a chronic illness comes with all kinds of “fun” challenges. Thankfully, there are people out there who turn their life’s challenges into ways to help you with yours.
