Editor’s Note: This story originally ran in the April 3, 2002 issue of Twin-Boro News after Eric J. Hohloch spoke to students at Charles DeWolf School in Old Tappan. The students had written Hohloch letters of encouragement after they read a story about him in The Record.

At the time of this writing, Eric was a senior at Bergenfield High School, and Bergenfield’s current school superintendent, Michael Kuchar, was high school principal.

Hohloch was born with spina bifida He died Aug. 9 at the age of 24.

When Carol de Lyon’s fifth-grade class read the article about Bergenfield High School senior Eric Hohloch in The Record in January, they decided to write him letters of encouragement.

Hohloch was astonished.

When he was invited to speak to at Charles DeWolfe Middle School in Old Tappan, he was delighted. Eric accepted their invitation and went to speak with the students last week.

Despite being born with a severe case of spina bifida, there has been little to distinguish Eric from his peers.

There is one noticeable difference, however. Eric depends upon a wheelchair for mobility. He has no feeling or sensation below his waist.

"I understood at a young age that I was different," Hohloch said. "I was probably about 4 or 5 when I realized, ‘Hey, I can’t walk.’

"Some things I attempt and cannot do," he said. "But I am persistent; I’ll find a way to do it. If I have to get out of the wheelchair to do it, I will."

He plans to go to his senior prom with Cindy Naylis, who was on hand at DeWolfe Middle School to sing the national anthem and lead the audience in "God Bless America."

She said she was surprised at Hohloch’s invitation.

"Actually, I was really shocked," Naylis said.

"I didn’t expect anybody to ask me to the prom. I am only a sophomore. I‘m really honored. I’m glad I’m going."

Bergenfield High School Principal Dr. Michael Kuchar praised Hohloch, saying, "He is very proud and privileged to be here today. He is also very touched by your letters, your kindness and your interest in his story. Eric Hohloch is the heart and soul of Bergenfield High School."

Ron Bligh, the football, wrestling and track coach at Bergenfield High School, encouraged middle school students to take advantage of the opportunities offered at the school.

"I have learned a lot from Eric," he said. "I encourage each of you to get involved in your school. Become a member of the band; become a member of the debate team."

Bligh explained that introducing school activities into his daily schedule changed Hohloch’s life.

"What has made the difference in Eric’s life is that Eric took the time as a freshman to get involved in as many activities as he could," Bligh said.

"It has made a huge difference in his life and it can make a huge difference in your life, if you go through with that."

The coach cautioned the students not to take their daily endeavors lightly.

"Don’t take anything for granted in your life. We take many things for granted; we can run; we can walk; we can throw a ball. Eric can’t take these things for granted. So please be thankful for everything you have and don’t take anything for granted."

Hohloch said he was excited when Bligh brought him on as manager of the football, wrestling and track teams.

"I felt very proud of myself," he said. "I cannot compete, but I feel like part of the team. I eat with the team; I travel with the team. The team and Coach Bligh make me feel a part of the team.

I feel like it’s my second family."

Hohloch indicated that making friends was very difficult in his youth. The wheelchair scared them off.

"It was hard for me to make friends because I am in a wheelchair. I did not hang out with other kids when I was young. I hung out with mostly adults —my parents, my parents’ friends. They were my circle of friends.

"Now that I’m 17, I’m hanging out with a lot of people my age."

He admitted there is at least one advantage to being in a wheelchair.

"At Walt Disney World, if you’re in a wheelchair, they let you go to the front of the line," he quipped. "But most times I’m treated the same as everyone else."

Growing up with spina bifida was at times very difficult. He has refused to give up, however.

"Some days I don’t want to wake up. I admit that. Then, I think that there are a lot of people worse off than me, so I’m thinking, ‘Wow, I’m like this. I should take advantage of this. I can still do a lot of stuff.’ "

Hohloch lists his support systems as the faculty at Bergenfield High School and Coach Bligh,, his Number One fan.

"My biggest support system is sitting right next to me — Coach Bligh," Hohloch said, as he nodded in the direction of Bligh, who sat there beaming.

Bligh assured the audience that Hohloch is a huge asset to the team.

"Eric is a support system to our athletes," Bligh said. "He acts as a sounding board. A lot of times Eric is someone to lean on."

Hohloch would like to become a coach or manager of a team sport after he graduates from college. If not for his disease, he said he would likely have served the community.

"I like to help people out, so I probably would have been an EMT, paramedic or fireman," he said.

"The worst thing you can do for this guy is feel sorry for him, because he is a true hero," Bligh added.

"He’s modest. He is more than a manager. He got his first aid certificate so he could help our football players and wrestlers."

If he listens to his principal, he has a future at Bergenfield High School.

"I told Eric on the bus ride over to "get your four-year degree, become a teacher and replace Coach Bligh as varsity football coach," Kuchar joked, as the crowd roared.