On December 24th, 2022, our father, husband, brother, grandfather, and friend, Erik Emerson, went to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning. After running bloodwork, the doctors found elevated levels of carbon monoxide but became further concerned after hearing more about his symptoms. As a result, the wise doctors at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center performed a CT scan and discovered a brain tumor and edema pushing his brain to the left, affecting his motor functions, speech, and vision. Erik was then airlifted to the Medical Center of the Rockies, where another team of incredible doctors performed surgery to remove the tumor on December 27th. After the surgery, the doctors determined that the tumor was malignant and decided to further examine it.

Nine days later, we received devastating news: Erik's brain tumor was a stage 4 wild-type glioblastoma, a type of cancer that is generally considered to be terminal with an average survival rate of 12-15 months post-diagnosis.

Erik is a loving husband, caring father, and devoted grandfather. He is a hardworking, generous, and kind person who has always done everything he can to provide for his family, even in the most difficult circumstances. He is a fighter, a comedian, and a rock for those around him. It is unimaginable to fathom a world without him.

While we are trying to make the most of the time we have with Erik, we must also face the harsh reality that money is a necessity, especially now. Erik, a truck driver, is unable to work and past events, including a chemical accident that left him with 3rd and 4th-degree burns on over 40% of his body, have left my family with very little savings to fall back on. To help pay for medical bills, transportation for care, and living expenses like house payments and groceries, I have created this GoFundMe. I hope these funds generated will also provide my mom and dad with the financial flexibility to take their first (and last) vacation together as a couple. We hope they can fulfill their lifelong dream of sitting on the beach in Hawai’i.

Any donations, even just $1, will go a long way in supporting my family during this difficult time. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this with your friends and family who may be able to help. While we set our goal at $10,000, which is quite hefty, we are incredibly grateful for any support you might be able to give - monetary or otherwise. My parents, Sharon and Erik, are usually the type to solve problems on their own, but this challenge is too great to overcome with so little time and resources. Your support will allow them to make the most of the time they have left together.