Community raises funds to support family
By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
BREVARD - Eryn Cooper of Cocoa Beach has spent most of her life in and out of hospitals. She has suffered from kidney conditions since the age of 5.
Now, 12-year-old Eryn is awaiting her third kidney transplant.
"When she first suffered from kidney failure at the age of 5, our entire community came together to raise more than $70,000 for the Cooper family to offset expenses not covered by insurance," said Ben Malik of the Cocoa Beach Kiwanis Club, which administers the Eryn Cooper Fund. "The fund is now down to about $5,000. As a result of her latest setback, the Coopers will need a financial bridge for near-term events that will clearly require additional money."
The Cocoa Beach Kiwanis Club is asking that the community come together once again to aid the family. Eryn's father, Tom, is a detective with the Cocoa Beach Police Department, and her mother, Tara, has been unable to retain employment, while taking care of Eryn's health needs.
Money received through donations will go toward unreimbursed travel expenses, related hotel stays, prescriptions not covered by insurance and other expenses not covered by health insurance.
"The Cooper family has been excellent stewards of funds received and has provided more-than-needed accounting for money spent towards Eryn's medical issues," Mr. Malik said.
Tax-deductible contributions can be made out to the Cocoa Beach Kiwanis Foundation, and mailed to:
Cocoa Beach Kiwanis
Eryn Cooper Fund
P.O. Box 320095
Cocoa Beach, FL 32932.
For more information, or to donate online, visit www.eryncooper.com.