Faith and family are two of the most important things to the Eisner family. They have always been extremely close, not only to their immediate family, but to their extended family as well. Being together is very important to the family.
Seventeen year-old Gabriel Eisner is a hard-working young man who, besides being close to his family, loves sports. Besides playing basketball, he umpires little league baseball. He is fun and happy and known to be mature for his age.
July 5, 2026 was a day that completely changed this closely knit family’s lives forever. The extended Eisner family were at the grandparents house celebrating the 4th. Dad was firing up the grill, and the kids were enjoying the pool. Gabriel was getting ready to jump into the deep end of the pool when he lost his balance. This caused him to fall into the pool before he had planned. He landed head first against the bottom of the shallow end of the pool breaking his neck instantly.
In a split second, the Eisner family was forever changed. Naturally, both parents have been staying with Gabriel at Shepherd Center while the other three siblings have split time between family and friends. After a month, Gabriel’s dad, Jonathan, has gone back home to add support and stability to the other three kids, while his mom, Katie, remains at his side.
Gabriel has an extremely hard road ahead. While remaining at Shepherd Center, his days are filled with therapy, working on flexibility and mobility and learning his new normal. One of his hardest adjustments will be when he is released and finally able to go home. Like the majority of homes, his is not wheelchair friendly. We all take for granted the little things we easily do on a day-to-day basis. Taking a shower, going to the bathroom, and even something as simple as walking through your bedroom door are things we do so often it does not even register. Being in a wheelchair, most everything becomes a challenge.
Triumph Over Tragedy Foundation is leading the charge to adapt his house so he can get around freely inside and give him independence and comfortability. This is a large and costly undertaking. Ramps will be built, walls knocked down, doors widened, and an accessible bathroom built. A ceiling hoist will be installed to allow Gabriel to easily transfer from his bed to his chair to the toilet and to the shower.
Triumph Over Tragedy Foundation is asking everyone to join them in praying for the Eisner family. Their difficult journey is just beginning. Also, the foundation asks anyone who can contribute financially to this massive project to please donate below. Every donation will go a long way to help this family!