Dear Friends,

On September 20, our beloved friend, Erik Landswick, suffered a massive stroke caused by a previously undiagnosed malformation in his brain.

Over the past several weeks, Erik has begun what will be a long and complex recovery journey. While much remains uncertain as we wait for the swelling from the stroke and multiple corrective surgeries to subside, one thing is clear: Erik’s ability to understand, communicate, and actively participate in physical, occupational, and speech therapy shows great promise for meaningful recovery in the months ahead. He is highly motivated by his strong desire to return to helping and healing others. His business, Landswick Physical Therapy, which he leads as one of our area’s most respected physical therapists, is currently operating without him, but its long term success will be dependent upon Erik’s return.

His wife, Elizabeth, has been by his side every day providing emotional support, coordinating his care, consulting with doctors and specialists, and ensuring his every need is met. She has had to put her own career on pause as she adjusts to the family’s new reality. Beyond tending to Erik’s medical and rehabilitation needs, Elizabeth now faces an overwhelming set of challenges that demand her full-time attention. The most pressing of these is that the family is currently without income.

Erik has helped so many of us—our children, our parents, our friends—through injury and recovery. He has given countless hours over decades to St. Francis and to members of this community, always willing to lend his healing hands in times of need. He has become a staple on the sidelines of school and community games where athletes across sports know they can find him for support and encouragement. Throughout his entire professional career, he has volunteered his time graciously and generously. Erik and Elizabeth have enriched our community in immeasurable ways, both professionally and personally, while raising their two children, Hannah and Tait. Both are current college students who are balancing their studies while supporting their parents through this incredibly difficult time.

As word of Erik’s stroke has spread, many have asked how they can help. Friends, now is the time. This family needs us to give them the time and space to focus entirely on Erik’s healing. The most immediate and practical way to help is by easing their financial burden.

While we cannot hasten Erik’s recovery, we can remove the financial stress that weighs so heavily on them, allowing them to devote their full energy to his healing. Please consider making a meaningful financial contribution to give this family the gift of time, stability, and hope.

Thank you for your care, your generosity, and your love. Your support means the world to the Landswick family and reminds them daily that they are surrounded by a compassionate and devoted community.