Several years later, the diagnosis was narrowed to that of Bethlehem Myopathy, an inherited movement disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and joint contractures in the fingers, wrists, elbows, and ankles. Doctors came to this diagnosis after several abdominal surgeries following a muscle biopsy. After the original diagnosis, Yerger was only able to work about eight months over the next three years due to hospital stays and doctor appointments. Yerger is persistent, however, and transitioned to working as a remote product support technician for Johnson Controls two years ago. This enabled him to work from home, providing technical support for the FX and Metasys product lines. The change, however, meant he was no longer able to work in the field, thereby losing a considerable amount of pay. Yerger’s condition now requires that he use a power wheelchair. He was seeking a lift for his truck, which would enable him to transport his wheelchair wherever he goes. One day Eric Groh called into Johnson Controls for technical support. Groh is employed in the HVAC controls industry and is also on the board of the Joseph Groh Foundation. In talking with Yerger, Groh learned of his situation. That led Yerger to petition the foundation for a wheelchair lift for his truck.

Thanks to your support, the foundation was able to grant Yerger’s wish.

After receiving the lift, Yerger said, “I am so, so thankful for everything that you and Eric have done for me. Without the Groh Foundation, I would still be struggling with a manual chair and not having enough energy to do anything more than sit. Thanks to you, Eric, and the entire Groh Foundation. Let me know how I can help your foundation.”

Publication date: 3/22/2017

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