4PeteSake Grant Recipient #3 is Dave Erickson who is a documentary filmmaker and substitute teacher.  In February 2007, Dave started having symptoms of nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.  After 10 month of searching an MRI revealed a large brain tumor, which had spread around the cerebellum.  In January 2008, knowing that many key nerves could be damaged Dave underwent a 13-hour brain surgery to remove the tumor.  90% of it was removed but the surgery left Dave with a paralyzed vocal chord making speech difficult and requiring intravenous feedings.  Rehabilitation for walking and other coordination is ongoing.  CT scans at three-month intervals will determine whether the tumor is growing and has to be irradiated which could lead to further physical difficulties for Dave. 

Life for Dave, his wife Judy, and their two daughters, one a high school sophomore and the other a seventh grader revolves around visits to doctors and rehab.  Judy teaches at the Madison Area Technical College and works as much as she can at WinterSilks.  She only receives health care coverage when she is working full-time.  Medical costs have made covering basic necessities an issue.  Dave would like to continue his outdoor activities but will need adaptive equipment such as a recumbent bicycle to make that possible.  He also needs to rebuild his muscular strength with a possible health club membership. 

Dave is currently in the hospital recuperating from surgery to drain fluid accumulating in his head from a post-operative infection.  He hopes to be home soon and back doing therapy.  We wish his family well during this recovery period and as he continues his therapy.