Young man's love of life drives annual fundraiser

In his short life, Eric Elias of Des Plaines accomplished a lot.

While at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, he was a popular student, who participated in sports and extracurricular activities, before majoring in computer science at Northern Illinois University. Elias then went on to build a successful career at Sears, as a systems analyst.

All this, while dealing with the effects of the deadliest form of muscular dystrophy, known as Duchenne's disease.

Elias died in 1999, at age 30, far surpassing doctors' expectations for him, family members say.

"He lived longer than most afflicted with Duchenne's, because of his love for life," said his mother, Ann Gehrke, now of Rockford.

Together with his close friends, Gehrke formed a foundation in her son's name. Its mission right from the start was not to fund more research -- they reasoned there were enough groups doing that -- but to help fund immediate needs of affected families.

An annual dinner dance each year helps foundation members do just that. This year's event took place Saturday at Manzo's Banquets in Des Plaines. Approximately 150 people attended, helping to raise $8,300 Gehrke said.

"A big draw for people is the cause," said Kathy Borre of Des Plaines, co-chairwoman, "the fact that we find actual families that need things not provided by insurance."

The last two years, foundation members have helped families purchase a handicapped-accessible van. This year, members have several projects in mind including sending adult patients to a summer camp and helping fund another van.

Mike Jeffers, publisher of Chicago Jazz Magazine, and a childhood friend of Elias' from Des Plaines, returns each year with his trio to entertain the crowd. This year's musicians included Dan Ferris on vocals, Rick Ditemoore on guitar, both of Chicago, and Jerry Peters, the Stevenson High School band director on keyboards.

"We continue to draw new people each year," Gehrke said. "The dinner dance has taken on a life of its own."

She adds that her son's spirit seems to drive its success, as it continues to surpass expectations and inspire all those who attend.

For more information about the foundation, visit, ericeliasfoundation.org.