Young cancer survivor sees disease as ‘opportunity to touch others’

One way he is reaching out is as a spokesman for the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

He raises money and awareness in his community for these causes, and his efforts have garnered him national attention.

He was just named one of Iowa’s top middle-school volunteers of the year and a state honoree in the 2005 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. The program, now in its 10th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. More than 20,000 students submitted applications; only two from each state were chosen.

Eric, whose bone cancer has been in remission for more than two years, will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington for a series of events from April 30 through May 3.

The youngster began speaking at fund-raising events while still undergoing cancer treatment, and his ability to inspire others with his story prompted both the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation to ask Eric to speak regularly on their behalf.

He consults with each organization to determine the message for each speech, then spends hours researching, writing and practicing his talks. In addition to his motivational speeches, he has also served on various fund-raising committees and even donated his own autographed Roger Clemens baseball for a silent auction. The ball sold for more than $4,000, but the bidders promptly returned the ball to him.

Eric was recently one of three keynote speakers at the National Make-A-Wish Conference in Phoenix. Last year, he was honorary chair of the Relay for Life, an annual Dubuque fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society.

St. Columbkille’s principal, Barb Roling, described Eric as a "quiet leader" who is always ready to share his talents with others.

"He has been a real example of courage to all of us," added St. Columbkille’s pastor, Father Phillip Kruse. "We are very proud of Eric."

The eighth-grader’s parents, Fred and Tracy Fischer, who also have three younger sons, believe the power of prayer played the greatest role in their eldest son’s recovery.

"Through all this Eric has learned so much and has shown such maturity," the boy’s mother told The Witness, archdiocesan newspaper of Dubuque. "I have to believe that God has a special plan for him."