Dear Friends of The Eric Fund: 

You should take great pride knowing that your  steady support has made it possible for The Eric  Fund to make a real difference in people’s lives for  more than a decade.

Forty people with disabilities in the Washington Metropolitan area have  received more than $98,000 worth of equipment  and devices that will help them and their families  live more independent lives. 

This year, Malik Sturdivant, a 7 year old whose  disability severely affects his speaking and writing  capabilities, will receive a speech communication  device, allowing him to communicate more independently at home and in the classroom. Malik  lives with his grandmother in Washington, D.C. 

Awardee Kathleen Thomas, a 50-year-old   woman with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), will be   better able to communicate with her family with   her new laptop and specialized software. A mother  of three, Kathleen lives in Capitol Heights, Md. 

This year’s awards total $5,400 and, as in past  years, the positive impact of these devices will  reach far beyond Malik and Kathleen.

Their families share the dreams of Kathleen and Malik who  will now have a greater opportunity to integrate  their lives in their community of friends, family  and classmates.  We are deeply grateful for your generosity  in helping people whose insurance or funding  streams have run out for such essential life-changing equipment. 

We only wish we could assist each  compelling applicant we hear from. We assure  you that this small band of volunteers will work to  grow the awardee pool and continue to put every  dollar to work to enhance the lives of people with  disabilities. You can help by spreading the word to  your friends and family about The Eric Fund cause. 

Sincerely,