Erik's Battle: Cancer/New Liver
Donation protected
Erik would tell you his number one important role is being a dad. He is blessed with two little girls, Ivy (age six) and Natalie (age four). Erik works full time as an architectural lighting designer at Harwood Engineering in Milwaukee. Recently he fulfilled a lifelong goal of becoming a volunteer firefighter for the Saukville Fire Department. In November of this year a coworker noticed the whites of his eyes looked yellow. He went into the doctor that day and they did a CT scan. They found a mass, and with further testing it was revealed Erik has cancer.
Our whole world turned upside down.
Erik is 36 years old and was told he has a rare, aggressive, difficult to treat cancer (hilar cholangiocarcinoma) and will ultimately need a liver transplant at St. Luke's.
Erik has been hospitalized twice now due to infections relating to complications with the stent placed in his bile duct. Sitting in a hospital is hard for E. He is used to lots of activities: hunting, running, playing with his girls, yardwork, firefighting, walks through the woods, playing with our dog, etc.
Erik has a lot of heart, passion, and an amazing work ethic. The day he was released from the hospital (with doctor's permission) he completed his very physical firefighter practical exam (and passed!) When he isn't ill, he never hesitates to answer a page. He is also very passionate about his lighting designs. He loves his jobs and the people he works with.
We need to raise funds for Erik to beat this cancer and to get his liver transplant. He is usually the first to arrive at the cancer center and the last one to leave on chemo days. He will be starting radiation 2 times a day which is a lot for three and a half weeks. The liver transplant is unbelievably expensive and a lifelong endeavor. There are medicines he will be required to take that are very expensive every day of life so his body won't reject his new liver.
We strive to live one day at a time. Unforunately, we do know we have to raise money for these medical bills, which means planning ahead. I've been learning to accept help from others. I am so grateful. We are especially thankful for everyone's prayers!!
Any donation will be tremendously appreciated. All we want is for Erik to beat this cancer and have a successful liver transplant. His goal he shared with his transplant social worker was simple, "I want to see my girls grow up."
Our beautiful little girls need him to reach his goal. Erik brings something to this family that no one else can. Please help as you are able.
Our whole world turned upside down.
Erik is 36 years old and was told he has a rare, aggressive, difficult to treat cancer (hilar cholangiocarcinoma) and will ultimately need a liver transplant at St. Luke's.
Erik has been hospitalized twice now due to infections relating to complications with the stent placed in his bile duct. Sitting in a hospital is hard for E. He is used to lots of activities: hunting, running, playing with his girls, yardwork, firefighting, walks through the woods, playing with our dog, etc.
Erik has a lot of heart, passion, and an amazing work ethic. The day he was released from the hospital (with doctor's permission) he completed his very physical firefighter practical exam (and passed!) When he isn't ill, he never hesitates to answer a page. He is also very passionate about his lighting designs. He loves his jobs and the people he works with.
We need to raise funds for Erik to beat this cancer and to get his liver transplant. He is usually the first to arrive at the cancer center and the last one to leave on chemo days. He will be starting radiation 2 times a day which is a lot for three and a half weeks. The liver transplant is unbelievably expensive and a lifelong endeavor. There are medicines he will be required to take that are very expensive every day of life so his body won't reject his new liver.
We strive to live one day at a time. Unforunately, we do know we have to raise money for these medical bills, which means planning ahead. I've been learning to accept help from others. I am so grateful. We are especially thankful for everyone's prayers!!
Any donation will be tremendously appreciated. All we want is for Erik to beat this cancer and have a successful liver transplant. His goal he shared with his transplant social worker was simple, "I want to see my girls grow up."
Our beautiful little girls need him to reach his goal. Erik brings something to this family that no one else can. Please help as you are able.
Organizer
Kimberly Kopp
Organizer
