Eric Weinbrenner is a father, husband, former home builder, and now an advocate for a disease that will eventually claim his life.
“Just a few years ago I had no idea what ALS was and I was extremely active: running, biking, skiing and more. Today, just two years later, I am confined to my wheelchair and unable to speak or walk,” said Eric, who now communicates via computer software with his eyes. Once a sentence is structured, a recording of his voice is heard.
In 2019, doctors broke the news. His wife Jen was pregnant with their second child at the time.
“After about a month of shock and depression, I made the decision to continue living my life,” Eric said.
Weinbrenner turns to painting. The act helping to focus his mind on the web instead of his diagnosis.
As his illness progressed, the way he created his art also increased.
“Now that I don’t have the strength to hold a paintbrush anymore, I have to find new ways to be creative, so I decided to paint with my wheelchair with my wheels and my feet, it’s quite fun” , did he declare.
Weinbrenner’s incredible artwork is being auctioned off, along with other works donated by well-known artists across the country, to raise money for his non-profit organization Paint for a Cure.
“ALS is an extremely expensive disease, and many cannot afford to make their homes medically accessible,” Weinbrenner said.
It’s a burden he hopes to ease by donating every penny raised through his charities to families facing the daunting task of living with ALS. From costs to renovating their home to medical equipment and technology to improve their quality of life.
Family friend Melissa Rupoli-Katz knew she had to get involved by purchasing two of his paintings.
“To have artwork from someone like Eric and to know that you’re giving back to those families, I mean, it’s amazing,” Melissa said.
His work and his mission, now his life’s work. Guaranteed to leave a mark long after it’s gone.
