Help Erika Heal for Christmas!

Hi: my name is Allora, and this is my best friend Erika. She’s a single mom and sole provider to seven kids (currently homeschooling five ages 9-16) and has been a constant source of inspiration to myself, and so many others, during the time I’ve gotten to know her. In early 2020, she was given a terminal cancer diagnosis and 6 months to live. Although she has beat that initial prognosis by well over a year now, her cancer is still a Stage 4 and her treatment journey has been a long one.

Erika’s Cancer, Chordoma, is a rare type of bone cancer at the base of her skull. For the past two years, she’s undergone radiation treatments 3-4 times a week, and then surgery every other week to try to remove tiny portions from the mass that were more accessible. Her doctors have been unable to remove the mass completely for several reasons: it being infused in her bone, wrapped around both her spine and base of her brain, and the high risk of paralysis or severe memory loss (including forgetting her kids).

Through this entire time of uncertainty, she has been a constant source of inspiration, generosity, kindness, and joy--all while living with a terminal diagnosis and raising her family on her own. She is one of the best people I know on this planet. Right now, she could use a little help. Erika is undergoing four experimental surgeries in December where she will be confined to her bed for several weeks and in a neckbrace if she stands (she cannot jar her spinal cord in any way).

More than anything, I want to help Erika relieve some of her financial pressure during this time, which is where you come in. Erika is the sole provider for her family and Christmas is coming. I’m hoping our donations can help cover her bills for December and the cost of gifts for her family as well. If we can relieve even a fraction of Erika’s financial worry, and help her recover during this time, it would mean the world to her and her family.

Every SINGLE dollar helps. If you would take the time to donate whatever you can, every cent makes a difference!

Thank you so much!

-Allora