Erik was always a special kid. And in this day and age of "all about me" attitudes, Erik was different. He was 100% BOY and possessed all the typical qualities of a teenager. Teasing his sisters, ripping the heads off their Barbie dolls just to hear them scream, and losing his Dad's tools. On the hockey rink, he was a force to be reckoned with. He definitely saw the inside of the penalty box a time or two. At school, as well as on the ice, Erik was the consummate big brother. Many of his school friends have told us that Erik was the one who was always there to make them laugh when they were down or say something to make them feel better about themselves. We have been told of many situations where Erik chose to do the "nice" thing or the "right" thing even if it wasn't the "cool" thing.

Erik loved life and seemed to have taken it on himself to be sure that everyone around him was happy and smiling. He was always very concerned and even worried, almost to a fault, about the people that he loved. He never wanted to see anyone unhappy or upset. Erik was as unselfish with his love as he was with his money. His generosity was unusual in a child his age. When he would receive monetary gifts for a birthday or holiday, he would spend a little on himself and the rest on his sisters.

Erik died in his sleep in the early morning hours of December 13, 2000 with absolutely no warning.

Erik's legacy of giving and caring is what has inspired the creation of this foundation and continues to give us the drive and determination to do what we do.

The St. Jude Connection

Although not a big fan of country music, and not above complaining when US99 was playing on the car radio, whenever the US99 Cares for Kids Telethon benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was on, he always wanted to listen. Erik was touched by the stories that he heard about the kids that St. Jude's helped. Erik was 7 years old the first time he pledged his own money to the telethon.

The day after Erik died, autopsy results showed that he died of an undiagnosed brain tumor. While drinking morning coffee on the day of Erik's wake, someone switched on the radio. The US99 Cares for Kids Telethon was on. It was then that the real connection was made. Erik's mom, Christy, called the radio station to pledge money in Erik's name, for him. US99 played Christy's voice on the air as she told of Erik's death and the fact that he had a brain tumor. This began an influx of Erik's family and friends calling the station, pledging money for Erik, and talking about him on air.

Since that day the Erik Bohne-Pace Memorial Foundation has been part of the US99 Telethon with increased funding for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We will continue to do so as long as we have the support and generosity of people like you.

Erik's legacy also continues as 8th Graders who possess and exhibit his personality traits are awarded academic scholarships.

Scholarship Information
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Visit St. Jude Children's Hospital website.

"St. Jude Founder Danny Thomas believed that "No child should die in the dawn of life." Thanks to the support of the Erik Bohne-Pace Foundation, the researchers and doctors at St. Jude are coming closer everyday to making that vision a reality. Christy and John Pace have taken the loss of their son Erik and turned it into a chance at survival for hundreds of other children."

-Susan M. Sieja, Regional Director
  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital