HELP FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT FOR ERICA HELLER'S CANCER

OCTOBER UPDATE: So many of you dear people have reached out to me about Erica that it’s high time for another dispatch. She is already halfway through her harrowing chemo treatments and it’s been predictably rough. But Erica is handling it like a champ. Last week was particularly taxing: she underwent a stressful cardiac procedure unrelated to the cancer. And every day brings a plot twist. She recently texted: “Each day presents new challenges. One day you can’t feel your hands or feet, and the next, your eyebrows are gone.” Needless to say — but I must say something because so many of you have inquired — there’s been a river of unforeseen surprises and expenses, and her bank account has dwindled again. As soon as the chemo sessions conclude, she will submit to a brutal extended round of radiation. Of course, friends are doing everything they can to keep her spirits up, but sometimes they flag. That is only to be expected. What keeps her up nights — and we need her to rest — is worrying about money. For that reason, we are asking again for help. No matter how modest, your contribution will make Erica’s life a little less woeful and a lot more bearable. Thanks once again for listening. We understand how much everyone is simply trying to get by, and only hope that Erica’s daily posts on Facebook – when she can manage them – bring you all some joy, some laughs, and a dose of beauty.

With gratitude,

Laurie

UPDATE!

Dearest Friends and Followers of Erica the Great:

Our girl is in trouble again. It was never my intention to make a second appeal, and Erica is mortified about my doing so. But believe me: it’s absolutely necessary. The plot has changed and it’s one she didn’t write. Her cancer has entered a new and damning phase. A mastectomy (her second) that was supposed to be the end of all this now turns out to have been only the beginning. On her calendar now is extensive chemo, radiation, and possibly more surgery. We don’t know for how long, but given that she lives alone, she will need to have care at home as well as transport to her many appointments that are a distance away. These appointments will be daily and for a considerable span of time. To be painfully honest, she just doesn’t have the money to cover Act Two of this very mean season.

As I wrote earlier: “When people think of Erica, they also think of her father, a celebrated literary icon, and assume that his wealth materialized in Erica’s pocket. It ain’t necessarily so. While her apartment is rent-stablilzed, she is in earnest and serious need.” This still holds true.

To be clear, the money we raised was extraordinary — the outpouring of affection and resources helped Erica get through a very dark time. We were bowled over by your generosity. But the discovery of more cancer creates new financial challenges when money is the last thing she should be worrying about. She is still our Erica — brave and original and charming and witty.

And if we’re lucky to read her Facebook posts, her essays and books, we know she is fierce and dazzling. But behind that smile now is fear and an unspeakable sadness. Please, let's help her. I know this is the time when people are tapped out and also (rightfully) giving their precious coins to Kamala. While Erica isn’t running for anything, she’s MY candidate for being deserving of our assistance. Again. Every little bit will help.

Thank you for listening,

Laurie

I’m Laurie Fox, Erica’s literary agent and close friend. Too, I’m someone who is in perpetual awe of her charming, trenchant, and poignant writing. And who is likewise smitten with the inspiring, sharply funny, and transporting posts and memes she serves up everyday to thousands of readers. They’re like little aesthetic vitamins, making us laugh, think, travel far in our imagination, and bask in beauty.

After 34 years in remission, Erica’s cancer is sadly back (insert emoji of the two of us pulling out our hair). She is scheduled for major surgery in July, and it will be a long slog. When people think of Erica, they also think of her father, a celebrated literary icon, and assume that his wealth materialized in Erica’s pocket. It ain’t necessarily so. While her apartment is rent-stabilized, she is in earnest and serious need.

Erica is a self-made memoirist, novelist, anthologist, and essay writer. And to quote Aaron Sorkin: We need her on that wall. However, she is facing steep medical expenses for which she is ill-equipped. Insurance pays for a lot, yes, but it doesn’t begin to cover what she will need. Whether you have known Erica as a Facebook friend or as a friend in three dimensions, she has no doubt tickled your funny bone (gratefully, her own funny bone remains cancer-free) and provoked your imagination. She’s been a fiercely loyal chum — a kindred spirit — and now it’s time to give something back.

I can avow that Erica is at work on a remarkable and delicious new book, but this surgery, in addition to her serious Afib, has set her back. She has no family to turn to, and I am asking those who adore her as I do to step up and also help us get the word out. Please share this fundraising effort with others who may find this of interest.

And finally, while Erica is not pleased by my turning a public spotlight on her cancer diagnosis (she originally forbade me to do so), I'm doing this out of love and admiration and with a great dollop of hope. I thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.

With hat in hand,

Laurie

P.S. In true Erica Heller fashion, the accompanying photo is the only one she can stand without getting sicker (and we don’t want that!).