By James Bell
Hays Post
The Ellis County Emergency Responders Rehab Unit made Christmas extra special for a local family with a gift that will give their almost 3 year old son the ability to cope with a debilitating disease that often stops him from enjoying the normal life of a toddler.
Charlie Bergman, son of Ashley and Patrick Bergman, was born with Dravet syndrome – an epilepsy syndrome that is drug resistant – that causes temperatures over 75 degrees to trigger seizures. After hearing about cooling vests used by the unit Ashley approached Charlie Dorzweiler, about buying a vest in order to keep her son cool, especially during the summer.
“It’s a very expensive item and for a toddler, who is going to outgrow it pretty quickly,” Ashley said.
After that conversation the unit made a decision that may change Charlie Bergman’s life.
“We were told about Charlie needing a cooling vest to help keep him from having seizures,” Dorzweiler said. “They wanted to raise some money for it and I thought we just raised a bunch of money for Octoberfest.”
So the unit made the purchase, but kept it a secret from Ashley and Patrick, surprising them as Charlie went to see Santa at Big Creek Crossing last weekend.
“I had no clue,” Ashley said. “I am very surprised they kept it a secret for over a month,” as her mother-in-law and sister-in-law were both in on the surprise.
“Having a cool vest being able to regulate his temperature a little bit is going to be great,” Ashley said.
While the gift will certainly make a difference to young Charlie, giving back to the community is something the unit is more than familiar with, beginning with the unit’s formation.
“I saw a need for – when there have been some really hot fires – a setup or rehab system,” Dorzweiler said.
And so the Ellis County EMS began the process to purchase a mobile trailer to support local fire departments and law enforcement when the need arises.
“We raised money on our own to start a non-profit,” Dorzweiler said, in order to purchase the trailer.
The trailer features air conditioning, a bathroom, a freezer and a generator.
“That’s a project we’ve been working on for the last five years,” he said. “With that freezer we have cooling vests to help cool firefighter down,” the same system Ashley asked about for her son.
After taking out a loan for the trailer, the unit paid back the loan within a year and a half, but community support continues to come in through department fundraisers.
“Now we have extra money to give back to the community,” Dorzweiler said.
“The community gives to us, so it’s time for us to give back,” said Mike Fields, who also serves in the unit.
As for little Charlie, he is helping the community as well.
“Charlie is only two and a half and he is making such an impact on the community,” Ashley said. “It’s great to raise that awareness and let the community know what’s going on and have the community support us.”
To find out more about Dravet syndrome click here.