Jack Ariola Erenberg in family photo
MAPLEWOOD, Minn. -- This past summer a Forest Lake boy died of a rare amoeba infection after swimming in Lily Lake in Stillwater.
Now in honor of Jack Ariola Erenberg family friends have created a new organization called Swim Above Water to help inform Minnesotans about the risks of swimming in waters containing the amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri.
The organization is hosting the Jack Ariola Erenberg Benefit Saturday October 19 at the Dive Bar in Maplewood (3035 White Bear Avenue) from 2 to 6 p.m. The benefit offers fun for families with live music, a comedian and more.
Jack Erenberg was the second diagnosed case of the infection linked to Lily Lake in two years. The amoeba entered his nose and then migrated to his brain. This type of amoeba is present in virtually all bodies of fresh water, but thrive in warmer more stagnant waters.
Donations to the organization can be sent to Swim Above Water, Anchor Bank, 2700 E. 7th Ave., N. St. Paul, MN 55109.