Help Erica Heal: Overcoming Surgery Complications

To our family, friends, and prayer warriors,

I am writing this on behalf of my sister, Erica, who has shown incredible bravery as she faces challenges with her double mastectomy for an Invasive Ductal Carcinoma diagnosis. What began as a well-researched plan to remove the cancer and help her feel most like her true self quickly turned into an emotional and physical rollercoaster including 4 surgeries and 3 hospitals. Your support is appreciated now more than ever as Erica continues her journey of healing and recovery.

Erica & Trey flew to New Orleans for her double mastectomy. The surgeon was doing a specialized flap procedure that would allow for a natural reconstruction. The procedure itself lasted 9 long hours, and though the surgery was supposed to be the first step toward healing, complications arose almost immediately. Doctors say they removed all the cancer, which we are so grateful for- but that's about the only good news she's received since the original surgery on 11/20.

Since then, Erica has endured multiple setbacks. She was reopened not once, but twice, to clean out incisions that became infected, as well another surgery for bleeding.

After almost 2 weeks she was cleared to fly home for the rest of her recovery. But only a few days after their return, Erica was rushed back to the hospital, where they quickly realized that her condition wasn’t improving as they’d hoped. The local hospital wasn’t confident in repairing her wounds with a positive aesthetic outcome and there was concern that if they proceeded with surgery there, they'd cause further damage. Erica made the difficult decision to leave that hospital and return to New Orleans for additional surgery with the original surgeon.

Now, Erica is in a new chapter of this grueling process. She underwent another surgery, and yesterday, a wound vac was placed to assist with healing. She will remain open until at least Monday, with the hope that the infection will finally be cleared and she can begin the next phase of her recovery.

Erica is always the first person to jump in to help others. She’s the one who offers support, love, and kindness to everyone she meets. Whether it's lending a hand, listening with an open heart, or being a shoulder to cry on, Erica is the one people turn to. Now, we can be there for her.

Currently, Erica is on medical leave from work, but she is not protected by FMLA, and with each passing day, her job security is becoming more uncertain. She only has a few weeks left of protected leave, and with mounting medical bills and the uncertainty surrounding her recovery, the financial burden is becoming increasingly overwhelming. Trey being out of work is also a financial strain. They were prepared for the first 2 weeks, but the ongoing missed work is setting them back significantly.

That’s why we’re turning to you, something we never thought we would do. We’re asking for support from anyone who can help so that Erica can focus on her recovery with less stress of financial hardship. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help cover medical expenses, travel costs, and living expenses as she continues her fight.

Even if you can't contribute financially, your words of encouragement, love, and prayers mean the world to us during this difficult time.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity, your kindness, and your support. Together, we can help Erica get through this. GoFundMe does take a small percentage. If you'd like to donate but prefer it go directly to her, you can send your donation to her Venmo at @Erica-V-Carroll.

With love and gratitude,

Erica's Village