Dec 14, 2023 By Melissa Gibson 3 min read

Fourteen-year-old Ian Eckert passed away just one year ago, but his legacy is living on through his family and all those he touched over the years.

Born with a variety of diagnoses including neurological impairments, Ian faced ups and downs over the years; moments of thriving followed by surgeries and hospitalizations.

No matter the struggle, Ian faced life with a smile on his face, said his father Paul Eckert.

“Ian never spoke or walked but even at his worst in the hospital, he’d open his eyes and give you a big smile. He would laugh and kick and bring joy to anyone that talked to him,” Eckert said. “The doctors at the hospital said he was a special child.”

The Eckerts, who live in Lake Lynn, knew they were going to do something in honor of their special son, leading them to look at a variety of needs in the area.

They decided the best way to help was to serve children just like Ian. Through that, Team Ian Charities was born.

“Many times, there are things that would make the child or the family’s life easier and the insurance company says no,” Eckert said. “We decided to see what we can do to help when insurance won’t.”

Fundraisers over the past year have benefited Laurel Highlands Middle School’s life skills class with noise canceling headphones, an iPad for a young man who needs it to learn how to speak and even a day of relaxation for the caregivers of those with special needs.

“We have a day set up, meant to be a stress reliever with a masseuse, mental health professionals and relaxation,” Eckert said. “We do appreciate all the work these teachers, nurses and other caregivers do every day for our children.”

Several of the nonprofit’s fundraisers, including the 2023 Turtle Bowl at Manor Lanes and the 2023 Turtle Float featured the animal that the Eckerts have realized symbolizes Ian’s journey.

“We didn’t put it together until the end but looking back at his life, from when he was first diagnosed to 14 years later, we saw turtles,” Eckert said.

The symbol has become the logo for Team Ian Charities and matches their belief that no matter at what pace one travels, everyone has their own race to run.

The Eckerts’ other goal is to provide resources and support for families questioning what to do next.

“We want to help others run their race at their own pace,” Eckert said. “We were constantly learning what would work for Ian. Everyday, something different could happen and we learned a lot along the way.”

The Eckerts hope to host an annual dinner for those who have donated throughout the year, giving them the opportunity to share all the positive things that have occurred.

They’re also looking for others in need of funds to move their loved one’s journey forward.

For more information, visit https://www.teamiancharities.org/.