Anne needs a New Heart Valve, Erik Olson needs US

I'm Katherine, and a longtime friend of Erik Olson's and Anne Halpin - let's rally around them:

Today Erik posted this on his Facebook page:

"I’ve been having a tough time the past few months.

My dad passed away in February.

My mom had to be moved into assisted living.

We had to sell everything they owned to pay for it.

My mom has lost everything.

Her hospitalizations continue.

My wife Anne’s heart valves have started to fail.

They were replaced 9 years ago as part of her recovery from a near lethal meningitis infection,

Now she has to have another open heart surgery to replace the failing valves.

She lost her job and thus her income for the next 6 months.

So much loss, it’s hard for me to know how to take care of my mom and my wife's social/ emotional needs.

We have counseling set up but the next 6 months will be very challenging for all of us.

I will try to do my best and bring my best but if you see me struggle, please be patient.

Please remember that many many of the people around us everyday are struggling with unknowable issues and require kindness and patience."

Now Erik is not one to ask for help. But we are his community. With the ongoing health issues, the emotional toll is huge, and the financial stress makes it much worse. We know how much it costs to take care of a patient with a heart valve replacement, even with insurance there are so many things that add up. And with Anne out of work, the stress is huge, compounded by the family situation.

For those who don't know Erik, he is the beloved Art Teacher at Ashbrook Independent School in Corvallis, informal counselor to all the students there, and fearless perpetrator of the 8th grade trip. He is also generator and cheerful leader of children of all ages in the "procession of the species" including science, art and costumes for Corvallis Earth Day. He is a theatrical set designer, and he brings love, compassion and wisdom to all he meets.

So we, the Corvallis community, the Ashbrook diaspora, and friends from all over, who love these two amazing humans, can lighten their load.

All funds will be dispersed to Erik and Anne to spend on Medical and Living needs as they go thru this journey.