My beautifully strong mommy is courageously fighting Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

She was diagnosed November 1st, 2023, just weeks after her 46th birthday when she discovered a lump in her left breast. I never thought we’d be going through a journey like this one so soon. She has always been the fun cool mom to not just me but everyone around her. Growing up, the neighborhood kids all called her ‘Auntie Erica’ because she treated every kid like they were hers. She’d host cookouts and outdoor activities during the summer for the whole community. I learned my sense of community and humility from her. I inherited so much power and strength from her that it pains me to not see her at her fullest vibrant self. She has been incredibly strong and positive throughout this entire process and refuses to let this illness dim her light or stop her from living her life.

As the eldest daughter of 4 girls, I have been trying to stay afloat and strong for my family but lately it has been weighing on me. Since most of our extended family live out of state, it has been just my parents, siblings, and I for a long time. I will always be her right hand soldier ready for any and everything but I know I can’t take this on my own.

I am asking my local community that I love and support to lend me some collective solidarity and help through this journey. Your generous donation will go towards impeding medical bills, living costs, meals, wellness support, etc to make sure she’s receiving the best care possible and hopefully provide some relief in her expenses. This woman has fostered so many communities in our time here in Minnesota, not just in our personal lives but professionally as well. Everyone that knows my mom knows how she lights up a room and how much love she spreads to those around her.

She’s already been in the full swing of chemotherapy and is pushing through, however, she recently was admitted to the hospital with neutropenic fever. Given that her immune system is compromised and weakened, this could be detrimental to her health whilst undergoing treatment. I will be linking her caring bridge account below if you are wanting to stay updated on her journey. If you have the means there is an option to donate, sign up for a meal delivery or simply sending encouragement to fight this battle against breast cancer. If there are other ways you feel inclined to support us please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and bear with me in my responses.

Thank you for your support!!!

Caring Bridge link

Love,

Team Erica (Jasmine, Ashley, A’Yani, Jayla)