"Empowering Dreams, One Adventure at a Time: Bernie's Pura Vida Fund - Making Accessible Costa Rica Trips a Reality for Children with Disabilities."
BERNIE's PURA VIDA
FUND
Visit costa rica
ABOUT THE FUND
Bernie’s Pura Vida Fund: A Legacy of Love and Inclusion
Bernie’s heart was forever captivated by the beauty of Costa Rica, so his mother Emily established Bernie’s Pura Vida Fund. This fund is a heartfelt initiative born from tragedy, fueled by compassion, and dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children with disabilities.
Emily, along with her sons Joshua and Bernie, discovered the magic of Costa Rica together. Bernie’s unexpected departure left a void, but his love for the country remained etched in their hearts. To honor Bernie’s memory, Emily decided to channel part of the indemnification into creating a meaningful legacy.
Our Mission:
Bernie’s Pura Vida Fund is on a mission to grant children with disabilities the opportunity to explore and enjoy the wonders of Costa Rica, just as Bernie did. By financing their trips, we aim to create inclusive and accessible adventures that not only commemorate Bernie’s spirit but also enhance the lives of these remarkable children.
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People donate funds
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Kids with disabilities visit Costa Rica
ABOUT BERNIE
In Loving Memory of Bernie: A Legacy of Love and Adventure
Bernie, a radiant and resilient soul, brought boundless joy and love to everyone fortunate enough to know him. Adopted from the foster care system, Bernie faced challenges with a heart full of warmth, demonstrating an incredible capacity for love despite any reasons to turn away from humanity.
Amidst the tapestry of adventures that colored Bernie's life, none shone brighter than the family's time together on an adaptive tour in the enchanting landscapes of Costa Rica. Despite grappling with epilepsy from the age of nine, Bernie's spirit soared as he ziplined through the jungle, hopped on an adaptive surfboard, guarded his lunch from mischievous monkeys, and reveled in accessible pools surrounded by sloths. His infectious enthusiasm for life found its sweetest expression in the memories created during those cherished moments.
Bernie's zest for life was evident in his constant chatter about the trip, and even on his 11th birthday, he celebrated with a cake shaped like his favorite creature—a sloth. His unexpected passing on December 2nd, 2022, due to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy), left a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In honor of Bernie's caring and generous spirit, the 'Bernie Beerbower Pura Vida Fund' was established. This fund is a tribute to Bernie's legacy, aiming to extend the joy he found in Costa Rica to children and young adults with physical disabilities. Through grants, we aspire to provide them with the opportunity to experience the same adventures that brought Bernie so much happiness—ziplining through the jungle, riding adaptive surfboards, sharing a moment with curious monkeys, and enjoying accessible pools surrounded by sloths.
Join us in celebrating Bernie's life by supporting the 'Bernie Beerbower Pura Vida Fund,' where every contribution becomes a beacon of hope, love, and accessible adventures for those who, like Bernie, deserve to experience the magic of Costa Rica."
Eligibility Criteria
- Be 21 or younger at the time of application, with a primary PHYSICAL disability that would otherwise prevent travel to Costa Rica as verified by a health care provider.
- Including, but not limited to spina bifida, moderate to severe cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, amputees, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, ect.
- In case of limited funding, priority will be given to applicants that meet the following categories in additional to the physical disability criteria: Spina bifida, Epilepsy, OEIS Complex/Cloacal Exstrophy, Adopted from foster care, Currently in foster care, Aged out of foster care.
EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES
Canopy Tour
Adaptive Surfing
Wildlife Sightseeing
Cooking Classes
How We Make a Difference:
GRANTS to COSTA RICA
Through the generous contributions and support, we transform grief into a force for good. Every donation enables us to provide the means for children with disabilities to experience the joy, excitement, and sheer beauty of Costa Rica, turning dreams into reality.
Become a part of Bernie’s Pura Vida Fund and contribute to a legacy of love, inclusion, and shared joy. Together, we can make sure that every child with a disability has the chance to create lasting memories and experience the magic of Bernie’s beloved Costa Rica.
Embark on this journey with us—where love knows no boundaries, and every child deserves a taste of Pura Vida.
In Association with
Bernie's Fund partners with Red Costarricense de Turismo Accesible
Bernie's Fund came into existence through the heartfelt initiative of Bernie's mom, in close collaboration with the non-profit organization, "Red Costarricense de Turismo Accesible." Crafted with love and a shared commitment to making travel accessible for all, Bernie's Fund embodies a vision of inclusivity. Bernie's mom, fueled by a desire to honor her son's memory, teamed up with "Red Costarricense de Turismo Accesible" to ensure that the fund's mission aligns seamlessly with their dedication to accessible tourism in Costa Rica. This collaboration signifies a powerful union of passion and expertise, where the heart-driven intentions of Bernie's mom meets the experience and advocacy of a non-profit dedicated to making travel a reality for everyone. Together, they form a dynamic force working towards a shared goal: making Bernie's dream of accessible adventures in Costa Rica a reality for children and young adults with physical disabilities. As we embark on this journey, Bernie's Fund stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, where the love for a departed soul converges with the expertise of those dedicated to breaking barriers in accessible tourism. Join us in celebrating this union, ensuring that Bernie's legacy becomes a beacon of inclusivity and joy for generations to come.