Two years ago, in the summer of 2022, Erik was rushed to the emergency room for a rapid heart beat and shortness of breath. It was then that we discovered he was born with a rare genetic heart defect called Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy, also known as LVNC.

This is a genetic heart defect where the bottom left chamber of the heart does not compact to be smooth but rather, remains sponge like.

Most people with this condition live their entire lives without symptoms or knowing they even have this condition.

Unfortunately, Erik is not one of those people. Due to this condition, it caused Erik’s heart to fail him and also be diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. The only options available to him would require either a heart transplant or a mechanical heart pump implant called an LVAD. Both require open heart surgery and come with many potential complications.

After being on life support and spending many weeks in the ICU, Erik, with the support of his family, has decided to bravely move forward with the LVAD as the best way to prolong his life.

With this, comes many months of recovery and a major lifestyle change. His wife, Kat, will lovingly become his caregiver and with that will not be returning to work for some time.

Per your donations, funds raised will go toward medical bills, medical supplies, gas for going back and forth to the Cleveland Clinic, food, lodging, and other unforeseen costs that may come our way.

As always, we appreciate all of the love, prayers and continued support more than words can possibly express. We will continue to need them in the future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.