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Fundraiser in memory of Columbiana grad set

From left, Michael Covert, Nicole Rosario and Stephanie Halloran were very close growing up and spent a lot of time together. Michael died in 2013 at 30. The women wanted to do something in his memory and help others affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare skin disease that he had. This photo, from Christmas 2006, shows Covert at 24 — about the time he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy —Rosario at 25, and Halloran at 23. The two women have organized the Michael Covert Benefit that will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Lanai Lounge, 7631 South Ave. in Boardman. (Contributed photo)

COLUMBIANA — The second annual fundraiser held in Michael Covert’s name will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Lanai Lounge, 7631 South Ave. in Boardman.

Proceeds benefit the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America (debra). That organization is the only non-profit organization for Epidermolysis Bullosa.

Covert graduated from Columbiana High School in 2001 and died in 2013 at the age of 30. He was the son of Don and Brenda Covert.

The Coverts’ only son, he was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare skin disease. His mother explained that the form of EB that Michael had caused his skin to be very fragile. He also lived with a tracheal tube since he was 1 year-old.

“This form of EB typically affects the respiratory, GI and urinary systems along with the outer skin,” Brenda said, noting that her nieces — Nicole Rosario and Stephanie Halloran who were very close to Michael — planned and organized the benefit, the second in three years. The previous benefit raised $2,300 for debra.

It’s a part of life that you would rather you didn’t have to deal with, she said. Adding to his suffering, Michael was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy (MD) when he was 24. He lived out his remaining six years dealing with the two debilitating diseases.

“As hard as it is to comprehend, Michael never complained about his life,” she said. “Rather than get mad and be bitter when he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, he simply said that he hit the gene pool lottery with the two diseases. Needless to say, he was and still is my inspiration in life. He didn’t let it prevent him from living his life to the fullest.”

Michael graduated with high honors from Pittsburgh Technical Institute with a degree in computer systems, specializing in networking. It was a full-time two-year program and he attended all year. After graduating he worked at home for a company in technical support.

Throughout the years, he played a card game with friends at the Fantastic Games card shop in Columbiana that was called “CovyCon” in his honor.

The proceeds were donated to debra (http://www.debra.org/) which calls EB “the worst disease you’ve never heard of.”

The organization says, “The cost of doing nothing is too great” while noting 25,000 people live with EB in the United States.

Brenda explained that everyone knew Michael as “Covy” so they named the game for him.

“As a matter of fact, one of Michael’s friends parents thought that ‘Covy’ was his name because that’s all they ever knew him by,” she said. “One of Michael’s best friends lives in North Carolina and participates in marathons. He’s also raised money for debra.”

“He loved to read,” she added. “He had bookcases full, fiction and non-fiction. Actually, he liked about anything. He liked to read.”

Michael drove a car until about his last year-and-a-half when he gave up his license, she said, explaining that MD limitations led to his decision.

“He felt he couldn’t drive safely,” Brenda said. “He liked to drive, liked the independence. He was smart beyond his years and he knew it was time.”

The Michael Covert Benefit will include a 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction, mystery bottle raffle, complimentary appetizers and desserts and drink specials with all proceeds donated to debra. Those wanting to donate to debra can do it online at: www.debra.org/give. If they make it in memory of Michael Covert, that amount can be included in the benefit Saturday.

“He had such a positive outlook on life — it made a difference,” Brenda said.

lshields@salemnews.net

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