Erica Bratland Family

Erica Bratland was a mom of three amazing kids, Maddie, Emma, and Trip, and she was married to her husband Dave for 19 years. Erica was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer in September of 2020, and her life expectancy at that time was supposed to be 12-18 months. However, this cancer was unaware of Erica’s will to fight and survive. She endured 58 chemo treatments, 2 radiation procedures, and over a dozen surgical procedures along the way. Through it all, her spirit was tested, but she never gave up, and even became more active than she had been before. Nothing was going to change in her mind because she was going to survive and be there for Dave and the kids as they went through each significant event in their lives. In March, Erica’s body began to develop fluid in the abdomen which meant her liver was beginning to shut down. There was nothing more medically that could be done. Erica entered hospice in June. She was able to have final discussions with the kids and with Dave, and she was able to say goodbye. Dave told her it was ok to let go. Her body finally gave out and she went to Heaven. Erica’s relationship with God was always strong, and that gave her great comfort as she endured this cancer battle to the end. The Bratland’s generosity to our community with our sons and daughters has been overwhelming. They have shown so much love for so many kids and taught them character and leadership. They were always the first ones to help when someone was in need. We can only imagine how difficult it has become with three years of hospital bills, loss of income and many other expenses as she fought this disease. I know there are many of us who would like to step up to help Erica’s family in this time of need.