Several weeks ago, our dear friend Erin went looking for answers: for over a year, she had been experiencing unusual symptoms and was denied a mammogram due to her age. Erin fought to get that mammogram and in late December, at age 31, learned that she had Grade 3 HER2+ Breast Cancer, an aggressive cancer with a high growth rate. Further testing revealed that her cancer was Stage 4 metastatic and that it had spread to her right lymph nodes, her liver, and her bones.

 

She spent January undergoing further testing to determine if she would be eligible for any trials, applying to these trials, and developing a treatment plan with her team of physicians. Given the advanced stage and the aggressive nature of her cancer, her treatment regimen will be equally aggressive. On January 25th Erin received her first round of chemotherapy. She will continue to receive chemotherapy weekly for six months and then every three weeks after that she will receive targeted IV medications. Following the first six months of chemo, she will likely undergo surgery, followed by radiation treatment.

 

Erin’s treatment will be long-term and ongoing, and she will need to devote all her energy to healing and resting as her body fights the good fight.

 

Erin and Colin are two of the most selfless, hard-working people we know: the first to offer help and the last to ask for it. After much nagging, they finally agreed to this campaign to help cover insurance costs. Erin’s yearly deductible/out-of-pocket maximum is $5,000, so we have set our fundraising goal to $10,000 in the hope of covering those costs for 2 years.

 

Any funds raised above that amount will go toward doctor visits, medication expenses, and anything that helps Erin in this fight. Your donation will help to cover the costs of Erin’s treatment and will allow Erin and Colin to focus on healing and supporting one another through this journey.

 

Truly, every little bit helps: spare change, time, well wishes, good vibes, prayers, love, support, notes of encouragement. Erin and Colin will need and appreciate all manner of support over the next few months.

 

In typical Erin fashion, even faced with such a heavy load, she is super-positive and trusting that her treatment is going to work its magic.

 

Thank you for taking the time to think of Erin with love and hope.