Cancer Fund for Erica Purnell #EricaStrong23

Erica is battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), an aggressive cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells that build up in the bone marrow and blood and interfere with normal blood cell production. AML develops from cells that would turn into white blood cells which start in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of certain bones, where new blood cells are made), but most often it quickly moves into the blood. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). AML progresses rapidly and is typically fatal within weeks or months if left untreated. In addition to the symptoms AML brings (debilitating fatigue, shortness of breath, bruising and bleeding, and an increased risk of infection) for the next 5 weeks, Erica is enduring ongoing chemotherapy, transfusions, and a bone marrow transplant to put the E in eviction notice on this cancer, but her treatments present a whole new list of risks and symptoms for her.

While there have been life-changing physical effects due to having Acute Myeloid Leukemia and ongoing through treatments, the financial effects have also been vast and life-altering. Below is a little glimpse into who Erica is, the fight that she's been waging, and a look at how this has affected her financially. Please give generously and know that 100% of the money you donate will go directly to Erica to help her meet her financial and treatment needs.

About Erica:

Erica Purnell is a professional career artist from Brooklyn, NY. She is a visionary who inspires young and old within her community serving as a visual arts teacher for inner-city kids, facilitating art therapy for seniors, and bringing her light to the streets through murals, corporate design, in-home and virtual art instruction and so much more. Affectionately known as E between her peers and students. She's an outgoing person who loves life, art, and embraces all that comes her way with a positive attitude. Erica hopes to return to teaching with a fresh motivation using her artistic expression to advocate for health and wellness.

Her Cancer Story: (In her own words)

"Hi my name is Erica Purnell. Back in November, I went to the ER for what I thought was a sinus infection. After testing my blood and other vitals, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. It's an aggressive blood cancer. I spent almost a month in the hospital undergoing chemo, and other treatments and through the grace and mercy of GOD and my dear family and friends support and prayers, I made it through and I'm in remission currently.

I still have a long ways to go physically, mentally, and emotionally. I lost my hair, have a central port in my chest, and have decided to move forward with a Bone Marrow Transplant. All in all, through my highs and lows, I keep my spirit intact and GOD within all I do.

Love and Light to you all!"

Financial Impact:

As Erica mentioned above, she has a long way to go, this diagnosis hit her hard and fast. Her Bone Marrow Transplant is 6 weeks long followed by 6 months of recovery in isolation due to a premature immune system. While admitted to the hospital focusing on the fight at hand, she is unable to work and her financial needs are accumulating. On December 13th, she awoke to her newly paid-off car struck by another car and the damages were so extensive that it is a pending total loss. With her immune system compromised, she is unable to utilize public transit and without her own vehicle, private transportation is pricey, to and from all her medical appointments. 100% of all gifts made to this fund will be used by Erica to backpay accumulating rent, utilities, food, uncovered medical expenses, healthy living, and a car loan. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and will equip her with the resources necessary to get back on her journey to touch and inspire her community again!

A Call to Action:

Please support Erica in her fight! Donate, pray, and share to help her win this battle!!

#EricaStrong23