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Ernest Patti, like a lot of kids, was excited to start college. His parents Susan Fiore and Dr. Ernest Patti, Sr., moved him from New York to the University of Miami and Ernie began Freshman orientation and classes. About a week into the school year, Ernie had a terrible accident.
On August 22, 2020, Ernie went to the beach with his new roommates to go swimming. While he was in the water, the tide knocked him off of his feet. Ernie knew that he was in trouble and called to his friends. Ernie was unable to move, but thankfully his friends were able to get him out of the water. Almost immediately, Ernie took charge and alerted all who were nearby that he was seriously injured. Thanks to his quick-acting friends and local emergency personnel, Ernie was rushed to nearby Jackson Memorial Hospital. Within two hours of the accident, Ernie underwent spinal surgery to repair a burst fracture of his C6 vertebra.
Susan and Dr. Ernie got the call that no parent ever wants to receive; they both dropped everything and rushed to Miami. Due to the pandemic, it was initially impossible for them to even get into the hospital to be with Ernie. After some animated discussions (and some New York persuasion), Ernie Sr. and Susan got in and have been at Ernie’s side ever since.
Susan and Ernie Sr. are incredibly grateful for the resources and profound expertise of the spinal injury community in Miami and believe that it is the best place for Ernie’s treatment and rehabilitation at this stage. Unfortunately, Ernie’s sisters, Alex and Victoria, remain in the Northeast in order to comply with COVID restrictions and have not been able to see their brother.
Since the injury, Ernie’s grit and determination have never wavered. Despite the circumstances, Ernie remains unbelievably positive. He attacks his therapy and works as hard as his doctors will allow him. This is critically important, as intensive interventions in the months immediately following a serious spinal injury can have the greatest benefits. The harder Ernie works right now, the better for his long-term recovery.
Expenses for the victim of a catastrophic spinal injury can exceed $ 700 thousand in the first year, over and above medical costs covered by insurance. Those expenses can continue at a level of approximately $ 120 thousand in subsequent years, depending upon the extent of deficits. For Ernie and his family, current costs include temporary housing, private aide help, rehabilitation / therapy not covered by insurance, and transportation, among others. Longer-term needs may include home & vehicle modifications, ongoing aide & rehabilitation costs, and education adaptations. Even for people with good jobs and good insurance, the costs are overwhelming.
This has been a lousy year for everybody. The strain on Ernie and his family is unimaginable. Despite it all, Ernie, Susan, Ernie Sr., Alex, and Victoria remain upbeat and grateful for the prayers, concern, and outreach of so many. The extended Fiore and Patti families are a constant source of support and love as they rally around Ernie and support his recovery.
Ernie, Susan, and Ernie Sr. need our help. They would never ask, so we’re asking. Ernie is going to work as hard as humanly possible to recover from this devastating injury. He is already doing that. Rehabilitation and adaptation are going to be enormously expensive, and Ernie, Susan and Doc need to focus entirely upon his recovery.
If you are able to help, please consider donating to support this beautiful family during the most difficult time of their lives.
We have chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
Hi everyone,
We have OFFICIALLY hit the halfway point of our fundraising goal!! This milestone is an incredible achievement, one that mirrors the incredible progress Ernest is making in physical therapy. We want to thank every single one of you for your extremely generous contributions and incredible support – all of your messages and words of encouragement have helped Ernest and his family navigate this new journey. It has been just over seven months since Ernest’s accident, and he has since made significant gains in motion. He keeps working hard at therapy every day and plans on making even more progress in the coming weeks and months.
While we have so far raised an incredible amount of money for his treatment and care, we are only halfway to our goal – please share this page and Ernest’s story with family and friends so that we can reach our total goal. Stay tuned for further (more regular) updates and exciting fundraising events! And if you would like to receive emails about Ernest’s progress, please join our Mailchimp listerv by clicking here: eepurl.com
Again – THANK YOU ALL!
Most sincerely and gratefully,
Team Ernie
Dear friends,
Today we crossed over the $80,000 mark for #TeamErnie. We can’t thank you enough for being among the early supporters in the first 72 hours.
A special call-out to all the starving college students and recent graduates who have donated during these first three days. Your support of Ernest, Victoria and Alex in the last 4 months is inspirational.
Ernest, we do this all for you….keep pulling!
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Sending the Patti Family lots of love and support today and always!
Koreen Schneur
So looking forward to being able to see Ernest back in Larchmont.
Selma Aronson
Laurie and I were encouraged to hear from Nick that Ernest was making good progress in his rehabilitation therapy. We pray that he continues to make improvements as time goes on and he can begin to fulfill a promising future ahead.
David Porter
From Miami Baseball Forum
Charles Greene
Prayers
David Lazoff
Williamsons (Griffin, Stuart, Audrey, and their parents) send strength and love to Ernie, Victoria and the rest of the family.
Tracy Williamson
Sending strength and hope and prayers.The Sawyer Family
Katie Sawyer
Prayers for this young man and his family!
Margaret Visconti
The Brosnan Family sends the Fiore-Patti family all our love and support!
Tim and Claire Brosnan
Always in our thoughts and prayers, Ernesto. Con mucho cariño siempre, Señora & Familia
Teresa Di Vita-Geremia
Sending support and prayers!
The McLoughlin Family
Sending prayers for strength and recovery. Fordham Prep 2014 & 2021
Latessa Family
so sorry to hear about your accident. wanted to help in the small way i can
Victor Odouard
In loving memory of Pete Sallata. From Tom and Joanne Gahr
Thomas Gahr
Wishing you continued strength on your road to recovery!
Michael and Amanda Arzt
I recently suffered a SCI and know full well the struggle. Hope springs eternal. God speed. We are praying for you. All our best, the Archer family, who are friends of the Clow's and a new friend of Alex, who helped us set up the mailing lists for our fundraiser.
Tara and Chip Archer
Ernie’s March Madness Challenge - thank you so much to everyone that donated!
Trevor Turnbull
In memory of Paul Pasko, a friend and neighbor of Uncle Sal
Barbara Pasko
In memory of uncle Pete
Mary Maccagnano
Sending love and prayers -Rosemary & Joe Chapey
Rosemary Chapey
For Uncle Pete ❤️
Jessie Wilson
Sending my love and support to the Patti family!
Alli Newman
In memory of Pete Sallata From Cookie Till
Caroline Till
Go Ernie, we are with you xxx
Rebecca Charles
In Memory of Pete Sallotta. Dick and Marge Fopeano
Marjorie Fopeano
Donation made in memory of the extraordinary life of Pete Sallata from the Cramer, McDowell and Wendorf families
Virginia McDowell
This donation is made in honor of the life of Spiro Sallata
Richard DeMarco
We are thinking of you and praying so very hard every day. Lottie, Karl, Jenn, and Cheech
Lottie Magdits and family
Keep up the hard work Ernest!
Elyse Fields
This donation was made in memory of Pete Salata. Maxine Lippman
Maxine Lippman
In honor of fellow U-Miami Alum & neighbor Spiro “Pete” Sallata dedicated to the efforts Ernie is making on his road to recovery. With best wishes from Betty & Harry
Anonymous
In honor of fellow U-Miami Alum & neighbor Pete with best wishes to Ernie in admiration of his efforts on his road to recovery
Betty & Harry
In memory of Pete Sallata
Family Macgrogan
In memory of Spiro "Pete" Sallata. He will surely be missed.
Scott G
Thank you Turnbull family
Mike DePhillips
Get Well Soon! All the best. XOXO Eric.
eric saretsky
SUPPORTING A WONDERFUL FAMILY- FRIENDS OF GODFATHER SAL...CAROL AND ALLAN
Carol and Allan Cohen
"Uncle Sal'....thanks for posting this. Happy to contribute and hoping for better days ahead for Ernie and the entire Ruggiero/Patti families. In our thoughts. Tom & David
Tom Kosch
Our love and support to Ernest and the entire Patti/Fiore families. Karen & Marci Bendel
Karen & Marci Bendel
To the Patti Family...we are all praying for you! Paul Chu
Paul Chu
Love and hugs! Go Ernest! Bruce, Karen, Reid and Savoy!!!!!
Anonymous
Good luck Ernie!!!
Jack Lerner
God Bless you, Ernest!
Deacon John Shea
Dear Ernest We pray God continues to give you the strength you need on your road to recovery. God bless you and all your family. Pat Murphy & Kathleen Murphy
Patricia Murphy
Thinking of you all ❤️
Bettyann & Chris Bucchino
Dear Ernie, We are praying for you! Love, James DeCarlo and family
Regina DeCarlo
Keep working hard! We are praying for your full recovery. Andrew Davis (FP'20) and family
Andrew Davis
This donation is from GCP Applied Technologies, friends of the Patti's. Earnest, get well soon.
michael Giardinelli
All our best to the Patti family - stay strong Wishing Ernie a speedy recovery! The Norris Family Mike, Liz, Timmy (FP'21) & Katie
Liz Norris
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. Kevin and Clare McIntyre
Kevin McIntyre
To the Pattis from the Sussweins
Susan Boccardi
Ernie, Thinking of you and praying for you always. Your perseverance, strength and courage is beyond compare. Sending love and hugs to you and your wonderful family. Love, The Showers Family
Abigail Showers
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We wish you a full and speedy recovery! Tony and Carolyn Zavaglia
Tony Zavaglia
Ernest, Reading about the progress you are making while keeping a smile on your face really shows the strength and determination you have. I know we have never met but you continue to inspire me! Keeping you in my prayers, Jon
Jon Floss
Your Manursing family loves you!
Lizzie Bommer
Get better fast
Cynthia mackay
Hey Ernie, best wishes from my family and I. Hope your feeling better and you’ll back better than ever. Love you buddy❤️
Luke Millowitz
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ernie through his recovery. The Walpole Family - Christina, Dan, Devin (FP '20 and UMiami '24), Matthew and Mason
Christina Walpole
A relative shared your story. Our prayers are with you for a full and speedy recovery. God bless you always. The Cetta Family
Claudia Cetta
Sending love, prayers and much hope to Ernie and the Patti family. Love, The Mouracade Family
Valerie Mouracade
Sending our thoughts and good vibes for a speedy recovery.
Polly, Jack Henry and Molly Kreisman
Wishing and praying for young Ernie, the Patti family and his doctors for the continued strength and determination needed to fight for for his recovery! We will continue to support you with our prayers! All our love - Marty & Lynne Barnes and family.
Marty & Lynne Barnes
Prayers for a speedy recovery
Michael Iacono
Our thoughts, hopes, and prayers are with you and your family. Hang in there, be strong and God Bless!! Danny, Stephani, and Sophia
Daniel Mercaldi
My love and prayers are with you and your family
Nora McNulty
Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara & Dan McNulty
Get Well soon Ernie - wishing you the best
Howie Kaplin
Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today. Good luck and Godspeed. The Ronne Family.
ROBERT RONNE
Thinking and praying for Ernest and the Patti Family. Sending strong energy, “courage” & perseverance to all. Knowing the Patti family - Your amazing love & strength will prevail. God bless
Pat & Marybeth LaFontaine
Keep the faith
Charles Saladis
May the strength of God and the love of your family sustain all of you. COURAGE to you all!
Jim Johnson
Keeping Ernest, Ernie and the entire Patti family in our prayers. Sending strength, love, and hope!
Nic Coates
Praying for you Ernie!
Daniel Tighe
With love to the Patti family - wishing you all strength and continued progress for Ernest. Thinking of you!! Mindel & John Lepore
Mindel Klein-Lepore
Stay strong❤️
Tara Lamb
Your hard work will pay off! The Billingsley family is rooting for you. Latham Billingsley
James Billingsley
Hi Ernie, We are all rooting for you. I know how determined you are, and with the support of your fantastic family I know there is no stopping you. Keep up the good fight :)
The Ferguson Family
Ernest, very sorry to learn of your accident. Please know we are all rooting for you. Stay strong and keep the faith! The Wrights Brooks, Stephen and Christian (FP ‘11)
Stephen Wright
Our thoughts are with you as we pray for Ernie's strength and healing. The Baldwins
alicia Baldwin
Ernie, we are with you and your family in spirit every day of your rehab! We hope and pray for your quick recovery. With love, Will Lefever's Favorite Aunt and Uncle : )
Mary Pat & Chet Simunovich
We hope for Ernies swift recovery and he will be in our prayers. Happy to contribute to his recovery.
Cathy and Molly Donovan
Best wishes for a speedy recovery Ernie.
Vanessa English
Keep working hard Ernie, we are so sorry to hear about this accident. You are in our thoughts.
Joelle Resnick
Sending prayers
Ian and Nick Townsend
Sending prayers and blessings for Ernie and family, from a fellow Fordham Prep family. Xoxo
Katherine Olsen
So glad to hear of your progress, Ernest. I am hoping it won't be too long before I can see you in Larchmont. Love to you, your mom, dad and sisters. Selma
Selma Aronson
Sending prayers and hope.
Melissa Young
Loving Support and Prayers from a current family at Fordham Prep.
Alison Spolar
Get better young man...stay strong!
Dino Galardi
Sending all our love. The Kahns Jodi, David, Sam & Hannah
David Kahn
Praying for you Ernest! I know you will get through this. - Mr. Broussard (Fordham Prep).
Chad Broussard
Still praying for your Ernest I think about you everyday keep moving forward buddy❤️❤️
Brendan Kelley
Praying for you and your family.
Pedro Martinez-Fonts
so deeply moved after seeing the video that your friend posted on tiktok! you remind me so much of my best friend from secondary and your infectious smile really shines through - wishing you the absolute best of luck on your journey ! I’m sorry it’s not much, but I’m a broke university student :/ Sarah ( Shropshire, England )
Sarah Thomas
xoxoxo
Janet D
Wishing you a safe and speedy recovery
Harold Cole
We're praying for your speedy recovery, Ernest.
John Byrne
Ernest, you are a young man of incredible resilience and grit, Supported by a family of dynamos. The Steins are with you- and Susan, Ernie, Alex and Victoria. Sending our love.
Jean Marie Stein
Holding Ernie and the Patti family close in our hearts. Sending healing thoughts and prayers.
Emily Bernard
Life is Crazy... “It is worth remembering that the time of greatest gain in terms of wisdom and inner strength is often that of greatest difficulty.” - Dalai Lama. Wishing all the best in your recovery.
James Kang
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Ernest N. Patti
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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