Please Help the Yurt Family (Erica and PJ)

Erica and PJ Yurt are my friends.

PJ is 39 years old. Last Summer, he was diagnosed with cancer in his tongue and neck. After removal of half his tongue and months of chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free. However, just two weeks ago the cancer in his neck has returned. On Thursday, March 3rd, 2022, PJ will have a radical neck dissection. The doctors will be removing 40 lymph nodes, the neck muscle on his left side, neck tissue, and his jugular vein. Recovery will be difficult, but PJ is one of the toughest people I know and he will get through this.

Erica is nine months pregnant. They will be having their third child, a baby girl, in two weeks. Erica will be tasked with caring for a newborn, her older two children (Tori and Jamison, who are great friends to my children), and helping PJ recover.

PJ is a City of Pittsburgh probation officer. Erica works in corporate HR. However, due to the timing of these events, both Erica and PJ will have no income for multiple months.

PJ teaches adult and youth Bible study in Westmoreland County PA at numerous churches and school districts. He is a role model for rural, suburban, and intercity children alike. He's kind, giving, and passionate and, while he'd never ask for it, he needs our financial help.

I have never fundraised for a family before, but I'm hoping we can turn this heartbreaking story into an inspirational one.

Please, please, please, let's help Erica and PJ Yurt.