Eric’s Battle with a Rare Cancer (Stage 4) and Paralysis

Eric is just 31. He is so full of life. He’s quick with a joke, loves his cats, family, and friends. He is kind, compassionate and would give you the shirt off his back if you asked. He is also in the fight of his life.

In January 2025 he received news no one ever wants to hear: I’m sorry, you have cancer. The news was shocking and devastating to say the least. He was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer called Triple Hit Lymphoma. Less than two percent of people diagnosed with Lymphoma have Triple Hit. He was immediately admitted to the UNC Basnight Cancer Center to begin inpatient chemo. After three months of treatments, we were told the medicine was not working. The next step was a new treatment called CAR T Cell Therapy – an immunotherapy that uses your own immune system to kill the cancer.

We knew there would be risks associated with this procedure, but nothing prepared us or the doctors for what came next. Neurotoxicity (ICANS) is expected during this process, but it caused his body to attack his spinal cord leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. This is an extremely rare side effect – Eric is so tired of being rare. He has been in the hospital for five weeks now and is having inpatient physical and occupational therapy. The goal is for him to be released mid-August.

As you can imagine, his medical bills are through the roof. Thank God he has insurance to help but it falls short of what is needed. His daily care now requires specialized medical supplies, home modifications and essential mobility equipment like a wheelchair, ramps, a shower chair and more. He will also continue outpatient physical therapy in the hopes he will one day walk again. Through all of this, Eric is still fighting cancer.

Every single donation will make a difference in Eric’s journey and ease his burden as we face the unknown together. God has a plan for him, and we are faithful he will be healed. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you so much for your support and compassion.

With sincere gratitude,

Eric’s family