Eden Pearl was born on August 17th, 1975 in Upstate, NY. Eden joined the United States Marine Corps in 1993 and became a Reconnaissance Marine, and Marine Special Operator; arguably the most difficult, yet coveted professions in the Marine Corps.

Eden served as a Team Leader in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. On the morning of August 16th, 2009; while on his 4th combat tour, conducting operations in the Herat Province of Afghanistan, Eden's vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Eden was thrown approximately 30’ from the vehicle and his body became engulfed in flames. Eden suffered a traumatic brain injury and 3rd degree burns on over 90% of his body. As a result of his injuries, Eden had to have both of his legs and one of his arms amputated. Some doctors and surgeons have said that Eden is the most wounded man ever to survive, in the history of the United States Military.

Eden has spent the past 2 years recovering in hospitals in San Antonio, Tampa and Denver, and will spend the next year in Omaha to undergo intense rehabilitation for his TBI. Eden’s wife, Alicia and their 6 year old daughter Avery have moved in and out of several apartments and rental houses and plan to return to San Antonio where their house will be built. Being in San Antonio is a necessity as Brooke Army Medical Center, and The Center for the Intrepid are both located there; equally important facilities in Eden’s recovery process.

Alicia is so committed to Eden that in this 2 year timeframe, she had the courage to complete a degree in nursing, so that she may be able to better care for her husband.

Funds are being raised  in an effort to provide the Pearl family with a custom home built from the ground up. This is a lifelong journey for the Pearl family and the design of a “universal house “ will enable the Pearl family to have a home that meets Eden’s disability needs without making the family sacrifice the comforts of a normal home.

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