The Eric Dolch Children's Encephalitis Foundation

05/27/2024

Always a special day to celebrate Eric's birthday. He remains a fighter and we cherish every day we have with him.

03/17/2024

10/20/2023

The Eric Dolch Children’s Encephalitis Foundation is pleased to make a $3,000 donation to help cover costs for the Adaptive Paddleboard Adventure for special-needs children and young adults on Nov. 1 on the Intracoastal Waterway in front of Guanabanas Restaurant in Jupiter.

The annual Adaptive Paddleboard Adventure is organized by physical therapist Elizabeth Keith of Young Body Rehabilitation in Palm Beach Gardens. The event is FREE and is being held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a day when public schools are closed in Palm Beach County. Young Body Rehabilitation has been running the event for more than a decade until COVID-19 put it on pause.

“This is one of the best days of the year to watch Eric and all these other children and young adults who have been dealt a tough situation in life, but still enjoy the pleasures of being around others on the water,” said Craig Dolch, Eric’s father and the founder of EDCEF. “To see the joy that comes to their faces is indescribable. There is no better therapy than water therapy. It’s such a wonderful stimulation.”

Keith agreed: “Children and young adults who have everyday movement challenges need opportunities to explore activities that most take for granted,” she said. “Paddleboarding is one of the most accessible sports in South Florida. With the generous contribution from the Eric Dolch Children’s Encephalitis Foundation, we can provide specialized help to bring the world of paddleboarding to them. We are so fortunate to have Craig and Eric support us again this year.”

The Adaptive Paddleboard Adventure is open to any child age 3 to young adult with physical challenges as well as those with social and communication challenges. Advance registration is required for this free event. To register and set a time, go to https://youngbodyrehab.com/events/.

Eric was a healthy 14-year-old until he contracted encephalitis in 2005 and was left severely disabled. His father established EDCEF in 2006 and the organization has raised more than $100,000 for local charities.

05/26/2023

Special birthday weekend for Eric. We love celebrating this tough guy!!!!

Just want to share that our beloved rock of a son/brother Eric turns 32 on Saturday. His nurse Carlos is taking Eric and us to celebrate early birthday lunch tomorrow at Thirsty Turtle Ibis and Ava and Alex join us Sarturday at Grassy Waters Park for the real sheninagans.

The Dolches.

05/26/2023

Just want to share that our beloved rock of a son/brother Eric turns 32 on Saturday. His nurse Carlos is taking Eric and us to celebrate early birthday lunch tomorrow at Thirsty Turtle Ibis and Ava and Alex join us Sarturday at Grassy Waters Park for the real sheninagans.

The Dolches.

07/14/2022

Lordy, Lordy, Carlos Restrepo turns 40 today. He has spent more than a quarter of his life taking care of Eric!!! You are an angel, my friend!!!

07/12/2022

Eric had an amazing day! Met with neurologist, who will wean him off drug, and endocrinologist, who has new plan!!!

07/10/2022

Eric's longtime nurse Reska Alexandra (Alex) celebrates her birthday today. She took care of Eric for seven years and loves him like a brother. Happy birthday, Alex!!!

03/02/2022

So thankful Eric came home today from the hospital. He remains a warrior. Thanks for all the prayers!!!

02/26/2022

Eric has had one of "those" weeks. Multiple infections that landed him in Palms West hospital again. He is resilient. We are in awe. Our issues are minor. We love the prayers and the support from everyone.

01/14/2022

We are saddened about the loss of Tim Rosaforte. Tim's generosity and hard work led to this night where we launched Eric's foundation. RIP and thanks, Rosie.