Hey friends, family, and kind-hearted internet strangers!

When Erica found out she would need a hysterectomy, I asked her how she was feeling. She steeled herself and, in her usual strength wrapped in wit, replied: “Well, no womb for cancer!”

We’re putting together a fundraiser for Erica—someone who is always the first to support others in need. Anyone who knows Erica knows that she is someone who is always giving, always showing up, and never asking for anything in return.

Erica is in need of an emergent cancer-related hysterectomy. For extra fun, her insurance won’t kick in until she meets a $10,000 deductible. So, as we so often do in a country where sky-high insurance premiums come along with equally high deductibles, we, in community, are gathering what we can so that Erica can get the care she needs.

Considering the incredible health care cost she is facing, and the time she will lose working as a self-employed single mama, we are aiming to raise the cost of her deductible—which she will have to fully meet for her surgery—and her missed work expenses.

Let’s rally together and help Erica through this scary, human moment. She would—and has— done it for us. If you’re able to give financial support, please consider. Love and health are the greatest gifts in life. Please share on your social media platforms so that we can come together to help our dear Erica.

Thank you all so much.

With deepest gratitude,

Jessica Vasilakos, Laura Hampton, Sally Ratner, Es Swihart, Francesca Macbeth, Erica Ferguson