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Article published August 11, 2010
INSPIRATIONAL FAMILIES Surmans thankful for support
CRANBERRY TWP — Eric Surman told Cranberry CUP (Community Uniting People) participants this past year has been a tough one for the family. The Cranberry family endured a terrible accident in the summer of 2009 that involved their young daughter. Camryn, now 2 years old, suffered a severe brain injury when a metal-framed wicker toy chest lid fell on her, cutting off her oxygen supply. Although doctors were able to save Camryn's life, her parents Eric and Laura Surman must provide around-the-clock medical care. Eric described his family's pride to be living in Cranberry Township. "Words just can't describe it," he said during the event's opening ceremonies. And to be honored as the Inspirational Family, an emotional Eric said, "It's been an overwhelming experience for our family." The family, Eric, his wife Laura and his two boys Aiden and Gavin arrived bringing the CUP trophy to the opening ceremonies. Camryn was unable to attend the ceremonies. Her brother Aiden got to throw out the first pitch marking the official start of the weekend softball tournament. The CUP's purpose is to raise money through its annual charity softball tournament and golf outing to benefit families in need. The grassroots organization promotes volunteerism, community spirit and goodwill toward others in need. Last year, when it celebrated "A Decade of Giving," the event raised more than $100,000 for the Barbarino family for their new home and it also helped a couple families during Christmas. July 20, 2009, had begun like any other day for the Surmans and their children, Aiden, Gavin and Camryn. While getting ready to leave for work, Laura Surman, a nurse, and her mother-in-law had discussed the day's diabetic regimen for Gavin while Camryn watched TV nearby.Satisfied Gavin would be in good hands, Laura went to say goodbye to Camryn and was horrified to find her lifeless body with her head and neck trapped underneath the lid of a newly bought wicker storage box. Butler County 911 was called while Laura immediately began CPR. After being flown by medical helicopter to UPMC Children's Hospital, Camryn was placed into a hypothermic state for 72 hours and then spent a week in a medically induced coma. MRIs revealed severe brain injuries. After six weeks in the Pediatric ICU, Camryn was sent to the Children's Institute for rehabilitation for a short time. Now being cared for at home, Camryn remains in a moderate coma state and requires 24-hour care. She makes no purposeful movement, is non-verbal, breathes through a tracheotomy and requires ventilator support at night. The Surman family last month filed a lawsuit against the department store chain Target. The suit alleges Target was aware industry and government sources, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, had reported at least 45 children died and others suffered serious brain damage as a result of the toy trunk lids falling on the heads or necks of children, leading to suffocation or anoxic brain injuries. Contributions to the Cranberry CUP are accepted year-round and can be mailed to: Cranberry CUP, P.O. Box 1614, Cranberry Township, PA 16066. For information about donating, visit the CUP's website at: www.cranberrycup.org.
