By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
In the past months, four Orion families have experienced life altering events that have taxed their emotions far beyond anything imaginable.
Life stood still for a moment as two lives were taken from this earth far beyond an age deemed acceptable while others were dealing with financial insecurities and relearning basic functions.
In that time thousands of people would take to social media sharing fundraising campaigns and promoting events aimed at helping these families. In less than 30 days people from all over the country have raised more than $100,000.
As that darkness was cast, it was soon proven that even complete strangers would open their hearts and wallets to help; and keep helping.
‘This community is like no other on so many different levels,? Supervisor Chris Barnett said. ‘Their hearts are so big and it’s just incredible to see so many communities and people band together to help time and time again.?
Currently there are three active GoFundMe campaigns for Ted Swietlick,19, Claud and Lois Parker, and Cheryl Reynolds, 36, totaling $93,867. GoFundMe is an online fundraiser site that allows the beneficiary of the campaign to receive the money immediately.
On May 27, an event was held for Enrichment Supervisor Ben Gerdamen at Buffalo Wild Wings which brought in $22,000; a daily record for the Lake Orion chain.
It’s proof that no matter one’s personal circumstance, seeing someone in need of help, whether it be financial or emotional, this area is not one to shy away. It’s also shows the result and power of how someone’s life can impact others on scale sometimes not recognized.
‘It’s incredible to see just how many people we connect with during our time on this earth,? Barnett said. ‘It’s amazing to see the generosity of people and how far they’re willing to go to help.?
Ted Swietlik
Ted was hospitalized in early April for heart failure and was awaiting a heart transplant.
Despite showing small signs of improvement, the 2014 LOHS graduate took a turn for the worst in late May. It was concluded by neurologists that his brain was showing little-no-signs of brain activity while he was on life support.
The morning of Wednesday, May 20, his family gathered to say goodbye and later that afternoon Ted was taken off life support. Ted was a fighter and a giver until the very end as he opted to donate his kidneys and other tissues.
His GoFundMe page was started by his former teacher, Roger Smith, as a way to help offset the family’s day to day financial burden. Currently the campaign has raised $25,960 by 384 people for the Swietlick family. Swietlik was 19-years-old
Cheryl Reynolds
Cheryl passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 14, after suffering a seizure and going into cardiac arrest.
Her death came as a shock as she had no medical condition or complications that her or her family knew about. Immediately thousands of dollars started being collected to support her family as she left behind her husband, Brian, and their two kids Braden, 5, and Cailyn, 9.
She was a first grade teacher at Holy Family Regional School in Rochester and it was through her connections there that someone started the GoFundMe page.
In just three days, more than $20,000 was raised to help Brian whose income was now down to one.
Her fundraiser is currently up to $33,182 and through sharing on social media has allowed it to be viewed by tens of thousands.
Claude and Lois Parker
Claude and Lois were married when they were just 23 years old and moved into their home in Orion Township in 1951. It’s the only home they’ve ever lived in and recently it went into foreclosure.
The two had taken out a second mortgage and were unknowingly only paying on the interest. Being on a fixed income, bills began stacking up as the two were still paying for their medications.
Claude and Lois started selling everything they had in order to pay off their debts and look for housing elsewhere.
Word began to spread about the couples? tough times and a local pharmacy employee saw a need to help and then acted on it.
Lauren Paramo began a feverish social media campaign and took to GoFundMe.
Her efforts landed the attention of WXYX Channel 7 News who covered the story allowing their campaign to reach thousands.
They quickly raised $34,730 in 21 days and according to Paramo. A senator from Michigan was able to work with mortgage lender PNC Bank and Claude and Lois now have affordable payments on their home.
She’s keeping the GoFundMe page active as the couple still needs assistance with medications.
Ben Gerdemen
Anyone that has walked the halls of Lake Orion High School or participated in an after- school activity probably knows the name Ben Gerdeman.
He has built his reputation on not only strengthening student confidence and activity level, but projecting a positive attitude that is contagious. It was thought that Ben’s heart pumped blood that was green and white given his commitment to the school and the community of Orion.
But in early April it was determined that Ben’s heart, although full of positivity and care, was not operating effectively. In the weeks following he would undergo extensive open heart surgery to repair a valve and the electrical components of his heart.
Family members and those close to the Gerdeman family organized a fundraiser that resulted in three-hour wait times and lines extending out the door at Buffalo Wild Wings. The restaurant, on Lapeer Road, hosted the fundraiser event on May 27, that gave 20 percent of purchases to the Gerdeman family and led to an all time one-day sales record in the tens of thousands at the restaurant.
Droves of people, dressed in LO gear, lined up into the parking lot prepared to have a large to bill in support of a man regarded as ‘amazing.? Shirts were also being sold as an additional fundraiser that night; the dark green cotton shirts read ‘Team Gerdeman? with the hashtag ?#benslovefest2015? written below.
During that event they raised $22,000 for Ben and his family. Currently, Ben’s long term memory is coming back as is his mobility and hand-eye coordination. It’s been seven weeks since Ben went into cardiac arrest and he continues to improve.