My longtime friend Erin O’Brien from Flagstaff, AZ, was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that has spread to his brain.

Fortunately, with great assistance from his brother, sisters and niece, he was able to secure medical treatment from a team at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, one of the finest in the country.

Erin and I have done 7 Grand Canyon trips together and I know he is a strong, proud, smart, independent man, so this situation challenges every aspect of his character… but he could use a helping hand this time around. Erin has been unable to work recently, and this diagnosis has placed an extremely large burden on top of his already challenging situation.

With the current requirement of traveling to Phoenix (100+ miles) and Flagstaff (70+ miles) for a variety of treatments, and his inability to drive or work, this puts him in a situation none of us wants to ever be in. This fund will go towards assisting him with travel, food, clothing and medical expenses outside of his insurance coverage. It will also give him some peace of mind so he can focus on what is really important - slaying this dragon!