Help Pam beat Necrotizing fasciitis

Hi Everyone,

My name is Patty Ervin, myself along with the brother John Ervin and my sister in-law Sylvie are the aunts and uncle of our beautiful niece Pamela (Pam) Gagnon. Recently Pam was diagnosed with colon cancer. Within days of getting the good news that her cancer was contained in the colon and would be a fairly simple surgery Pam started getting unexplained pain that became excruciating. Pam was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis or better known as the “flesh eating disease”. To complicate things Pam has been living diabetes since she was 5 which will hinder the recovery process.

“Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare infection that means “decaying infection of the fascia,” which is the soft tissue that is part of the connective tissue system that runs throughout the body. NF is caused by one or more bacteria that attacks the skin, the tissue just beneath the skin (subcutaneous tissue), and the fascia causing these tissues to die (necrosis). These infections can be sudden, vicious, and fast-spreading.”

Unfortunately for Pam by the time she was diagnosed the bacteria had spread throughout her right buttock, hip and down her leg to the knee. To date Pam has had two surgeries and has lost most of the muscle from her hip down. She will never be able to use her right leg again. Pam will need another surgery so she will remain sedated until this surgery is completed and she is stable.

Pam’s loving husband Donnie has taken time off from work to be at Pam’s side. Pam will have an extensive hospital stay and many obstacles to overcome. Due to COVID Donnie was laid off from his job for approximately 2.5 years but returned to work recently. They are now living on minimal income with many financial responsibilities. The last thing we want Pam’s family to have to worry about is finances at this difficult time.

They currently live on the second floor of a two story apartment with no elevator which will not be accessible for Pam when she is able to go home. Her husband Donnie and her son Bryan now have the task of finding an accessible, affordable place to live.

Pam always sees the best in people, is caring, easy going and just loves life but life as she knew it will never be the same. Pam will need extensive therapy and many medical devices to assist with activities of daily living. Pam has had health challenges in the past but now Pam is in for the fight of her life and deserves to have her loving husband and caring son by her side.

Together, let's join Pam in her fight against this Cancer and Necrotizing Fasciitis and help Pam and her family have one less worry on their mind! Please donate to support this family. With deep gratitude we thank you for taking the time to read this story, your support means the world to the family.

A little goes a long way, we know all you amazing people can help Pam and her family out!

Updates on Pam’s progress will be provided when available.