Erickson sustained severe head injuries when he was struck by a van while bicycling a few weeks ago and has remained in critical condition at Lee Memorial Hospital. The accident fractured Erickson's skull and caused two blood clots.

Plans call for Erickson to leave Fort Myers early in the morning so that he can be admitted to Abbott Northwestern Hospital by 2 p.m., says Rick Carlson, Erickson's pastor at the Roseville (Minnesota) Covenant Church, who has been providing regular updates on Erickson's progress. Once Erickson arrives at Abbott Northwestern, it is requested that there be no visitors.

The special fund, established through Roseville Covenant Church, will help cover the estimated $15,000 cost of transporting Erickson by air, including ambulances at both airports. "This will not be covered by insurance," Carlson notes. Those interested in contributing to the fund should send a check, made payable to Roseville Covenant Church and earmarked for the Paul Erickson Fund. Checks should be mailed to the church at 2865 N. Hamline Ave., Roseville, MN, 55113. "Unfortunately, your gift is not tax deductible, but you will be sent a receipt," Carlson adds. Questions may be directed to Carlson by telephone at 651-633-5526 or by email at rickcarlson56@msn.com.

"We have all been wondering if there is anything practical that we can do to help Paul and Joan," Carlson says. "Well, here it is - give generously. If more money is collected than is needed, the extra funds will be contributed to the Covenant Ministers Crisis Fund administered by the Department of the Ordered Ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

To read earlier accounts of the accident, please see:

Erickson in Critical But Stable Condition

Former Superintendent in Serious Bicycle Accident