BREAKING
THE SILENCE
Eric Erdman turned some of the most difficult experiences of his life into a reason to speak up—for himself and for children who were still struggling to find their voice
One Voice Can Change A Life
ERIC, IN HIS OWN WORDS
Before we tell his story, hear it from Eric.
In this video, Eric shares his experiences, his challenges, and the voice that would ultimately inspire a movement.
Born at just 1 lb. 15 oz., Eric began life showing the strength that would define his journey.
BORN A FIGHTER
1999
ERIC'S JOURNEY
From the challenges he faced to the movement his voice inspired, every chapter of Eric's life helped shape the mission we carry forward today.
2014-2016
Fitness gave Eric an outlet—a place to channel pain, build confidence, and discover his own strength.
FINDING STRENGTH
2016
FINDING HIS VOICE
After being diagnosed with cancer, Eric began speaking openly about what he had endured and using his experiences to help others.
TURNING PAIN INTO PURPOSE
2017-2019
Eric's vision grew beyond his own story, inspiring Give a Child a Voice, school fitness centers, and a mission centered on helping children feel heard.
2020 - TODAY
HIS LEGACY LIVES ON
Eric's life ended in 2020, but the movement he began continues—carrying his voice forward through every child and family we reach.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Eric's voice lives on through every child we help find theirs.
2000-2014
GROWING UP FACING CHALLENGES
Health challenges, developmental delays, bullying, and abuse became part of Eric's childhood experience.
1999
Born 1lb. 15 oz.
Born to Fight.
1999
Experienced bullying
and learned what it
meant to feel like he
didn't belong.
1999
Endured abuse and carried pain no child should ever have to bear.
1999
Diagnosed with Cancer. Chose courage, hope, and a new purpose.
1999
Found his voice and
began sharing his
story to help others.
1999
Eric's legacy lives
on through
Give a Child a Voice.
1999
Born 1lb. 15 oz.
Born to Fight.
1999
Experienced bullying
and learned what it
meant to feel like he
didn't belong.
1999
Endured abuse and carried pain no child should ever have to bear.
1999
Diagnosed with Cancer. Chose courage, hope, and a new purpose.
1999
Found his voice and
began sharing his
story to help others.
1999
Eric's legacy lives
on through
Give a Child a Voice.
​
Give a Child a Voice was created to ensure that no child faces life’s hardest moments in silence. Across our communities, children encounter challenges that can feel overwhelming—bullying, abuse, and serious childhood illness. Too often, these experiences are carried quietly, without the support or understanding every child deserves.
Our mission is simple but powerful: to create awareness, provide resources, and empower children to speak up.
Through advocacy, community partnerships, and educational initiatives, Give a Child a Voice works to break the silence surrounding the struggles many young people face. By opening conversations and connecting families with support, we aim to build a world where every child knows their voice matters.
Because when a child finds their voice, healing begins—and hope grows.
Eric Erdman lived with a deep conviction that every child — especially those facing abuse, bullying, or life-threatening illness — deserves to be heard, protected, and empowered.
​
What began as one voice determined to make a difference has grown into a movement dedicated to advocacy, awareness, and compassionate support. Today,
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From One Voice to a Movement
Eric wanted his experiences to become something that could help someone else.
After years of carrying experiences, he rarely spoke about, Eric found the courage to share his story. What began as one young man speaking his truth became something much bigger. Eric wanted other children to know they did not have to remain silent, face difficult experiences alone, or feel as though their voice did not matter.
That belief became Give a Child a Voice® a movement built from Eric's determination to turn what he had endured into something that could help others.
ONE VOICE. → ONE PURPOSE. → A MOVEMENT.
A LIFE THAT REFUSED TO BE DEFINED BY CANCER
Even through treatment, Eric kept moving forward, learning, leading, serving others, and building a future.
4
61
3
4
BRAIN SURGERIES
RADIATION TREATMENTS
MAJOR CANCER CENTERS
UNWAVERING PURPOSE
Hershey Medical Center • MD Anderson Cancer Center • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
HE KEPT MOVING FORWARD
Even while facing incredible challenges, Eric continued to excel in school, serve his community, and pursue his dreams.
Millersburg High School
• National Honor Society President
• Student of the Month
• Leadership and Community Service
Through treatment and extraordinary challenges, Eric continued showing up, leading, serving, and moving forward. His graduation marked far more than an academic milestone.
Penn State University
Bachelor’s Degree
Eric’s academic achievement, determination, leadership, and service opened doors to remarkable opportunities. He earned over $150,000 in scholarships and was accepted to Wake Forest University. His Penn State degree recognized both his academic work and the extraordinary impact of his experience, outreach, and service to others.
A VOICE THAT MADE AN IMPACT
Eric's courage, service, and commitment to helping others reached far beyond his own community.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Recognized for exemplary service and lasting contributions to his community.
CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.
PENNSYLVANIA SENATE
Recognized as a role model worthy of emulation.
ERIC ERDMAN
DAY
March 27 proclaimed Eric Erdman Day in Dauphin County.
Eric was also honored with numerous scholarships and awards recognizing his academics, service, leadership, and impact.
Eric Erdman lived with a deep conviction that every child — especially those facing abuse, bullying, or life-threatening illness — deserves to be heard, protected, and empowered.
​
What began as one voice determined to make a difference has grown into a movement dedicated to advocacy, awareness, and compassionate support. Today,
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Every child deserves to be heard
EXPLORE
CONNECT
support@giveachildavoice.com
P.O. Box 24
Millersburg, PA 17061
GIVE a CHILD a VOICE
Every Child Deserves to be heard.
Add a Title
​
Mission
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Give a Child a Voice exists to amplify the voices of children facing abuse, bullying, and life-threatening illness — ensuring they are heard, supported, and never alone. We are committed to creating safe spaces, raising awareness, and providing compassionate advocacy so every child has the strength and support to speak their truth.
A Movement Built on Hope
Give a Child a Voice is more than an organization. It is a growing movement dedicated to ensuring that children are never left to face life’s challenges alone. Every story shared, every conversation started, and every act of support brings us closer to a world where children know their voices matter. Because when we listen, support, and stand together, we help create something powerful: A future where every child is heard.
A Movement Built on Hope
Give a Child a Voice is more than an organization. It is a growing movement dedicated to ensuring that children are never left to face life’s challenges alone. Every story shared, every conversation started, and every act of support brings us closer to a world where children know their voices matter. Because when we listen, support, and stand together, we help create something powerful: A future where every child is heard.