My Story.

Help Erica Heal & Rebuild After Life-Changing Surgery

Actor, Writer & Advocate Fighting to Heal, Keep Her Home & Get Back to the Stage

I’m Erica — a married mom, storyteller, actor, writer, educator, and fighter.

Life has been life’n hard these past few years. Between 4+ years of chronic pain, closing my company Bradshaw Creative Services after five years, and losing every little pocket of savings we had, it’s been a season of heartbreak and humility.

I tried to do it all — perform, teach, run a business, raise my son, and hold my family together — until my body finally said, enough.

Three weeks ago, I had spinal fusion surgery — just eight weeks after a hysterectomy. This surgery was my chance to take my life back.

But recovery is hard, expensive, and humbling. We’ve used up every dollar of savings and tapped every bit of extra we had. Our hearts are full — my wife and I have a beautiful, solid relationship and our son is thriving — but our coffers are empty. My body is healing, my spirit is determined — but my family needs help to stay afloat while I get back on my feet.

Your Support Keeps Us Stable

Keeps Our Home Safe: Rent and utilities while I can’t work

Pays for Care: Medications, follow-ups, and pain management

Gives Me Time to Heal: So I can return to performing, writing, teaching, and sharing the work that is my passion and life’s joy

Who I Am & What You’re Supporting

I’m a proud graduate of one of the top three actor-training conservatories in the world. For over 25 years, I’ve brought stories to life — from the stages of Hartford Stage, Milwaukee Rep, and Actors Theatre of Louisville, to recurring TV roles on Law & Order: SVU, New Amsterdam, Elementary — and, most recently, appearing on Showtime’s acclaimed series Three Women.

I created Speaking Fearlessly™, a workshop series empowering people to own their voices, and I’m the author of Bits of My Soul

— a poetry journal about love, loss, and resilience.

Through my platform Woke Up Winning Warrior™, I write and speak to inspire Gen X women, Black and queer folks, and anyone who’s ever felt unseen — reminding them that the win is in the wake-up.

You can connect with my work here:

✍ Medium: medium.com/@wokeupwinning

☕ Buy Me a Coffee: coff.ee/wokeupwinning

️ Patreon: patreon.com/WokeUpWinning

This isn’t just about keeping the lights on — it’s about helping a performer, teacher, and community-builder get back to her calling, with her family by her side, stronger than ever.

Why Your Help Matters

Right now, the win is making it through this recovery with dignity, keeping our home, and reclaiming my ability to contribute to society.

Your donation means I can focus on healing instead of wondering which bill to skip this month.

How You Can Help

Donate — every single dollar makes a difference

Share this campaign with your network

Send encouragement — your words are medicine right now