On Friday, December 9th, after performing a most remarkable rendition of “Miracle on Bethlehem Street,” the student council members of Everest Academy showed a great amount of compassion and charity by selling t-shirts and wristbands to fundraise for a campaign titled, “Stand for Dan”. Upon hearing the extraordinary and motivational story of Dan Stopka’s tragic accident and road to recovery, the students and families of Everest Academy were tremendously touched and moved to help in any and all ways possible. The virtues of charity and compassion are constantly existent here at Everest and the students’ participation in this campaign is a great model of this. The students hope to contribute even more by writing personalized letters to Dan, letting him know that he is constantly in their thoughts and prayers and that they are so proud of him despite the fact that they have not yet met him. The student council would also love to pay a visit to this extraordinary and courageous young man. He is truly a motivation to us all. “Our smallest contributions to this amazing cause are giving Dan another chance and I could only hope and pray that if I were ever found in such a situation, kindhearted people would do the same for me,” said Veronica Kopec, 8th grader at Everest Academy.

Here is the story behind this campaign: Just over three months ago, Dan was spending an afternoon on Lake Michigan with his friends, laughing and joking as any 19 year old. Dan dove in the water for a moment to cool off, unaware that their boat had floated over a shallow bit of land. Tragically, Dan suffered from an incomplete cervical 4 spinal cord injury.

Immediately, he was rushed via helicopter to Christ Hospital, where the doctors announced the devastating news that Dan’s severe injuries would most likely leave him quadriplegic. That is until the doctors discovered Dan’s passionate determination for a full recovery. Dan has since made considerable strides through intensive physical and occupational therapy.

Once unable to breathe or eat on his own, Dan is now able to feel sensation and move parts of his upper body. Dan was later moved to the Rehab Institute of Chicago (RIC), where he continued to make sizeable improvements. He needs continues intense rehab and new advance therapies to maximize his results at a full recovery. Dan is the best son, brother, grandson, uncle, boyfriend & friend anyone can have. Daniel is always ready for his next task in life! He is facing many challenges being a spinal cord injury victim, but we know that with every ones help and prayers, God will help Daniel overcome his obstacles. Dan will walk again one day and reach his dream of becoming a physical therapist. One who will inevitably be equipped to assist others in the long road towards their recovery.

Please join all of us here at Everest and support this remarkable young man in his journey toward recovery. Every little bit counts and prayers are extremely powerful. If nothing else, everyone can join in prayer to Blessed Pope John Paul II, who was named the patron of Daniels requested recovery. For those of you unaware, Blessed Pope John Paul II needs one more documented miracle to become a saint. Who is to say this cannot be Dan. Do you believe?

You can visit and read more about Dan at, www.standfordan.com.

Everest Academy is an independent Roman Catholic school in Lemont educating children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The teachers and staff are dedicated to forming the whole child by providing the highest level of academics, by building character, and by developing a strong apostolic faith in the students. If you would like to learn more about Everest Academy’s approach to education, please contact Heidi Matelich at 630-243-1995 or visit www.everestadvantage.org.