Support Eric Atkins in His Cancer Battle

Dear Family and Friends

I hope this message finds you well. Today, I want to share some news that has deeply impacted our lives. Our dear friend Eric Atkins has recently been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.

The best way to describe Eric is, he’s a pleaser. He will bend over backwards to make sure you’re happy, comfortable etc. His kindness and thoughtfulness over the last 44 years has fostered many close and lasting friendships. With these friends and of course his family, Eric as great support group behind him. Don’t mistake his kindness weakness. Eric also has this fire in him that comes out when he sees a problem or is assigned a task, come hell or highwater he will accomplish it. I chalk it up to the project manager coming out of him after hours, and just move out of his way. This fire in his belly personality trait will also come handy during his long and exhausting journey ahead.

No doubt this news was absolutely devastating to all of us. And true to form who do think was there comforting, reassuring, checking in and uplifting us? While simultaneously navigating our nation’s healthcare system to find the right medical team and treatment plan for his case.

After receiving the prognosis from the major healthcare system here in the Twin Cities that actually diagnosed Eric as well. The prognosis was less than the favorable. So, Jamie and Eric do what they do best. Each open a laptop and start researching/education themselves. Let's pause there and let me explain. It deserves its own paragraph

On multiple occasions either at a kitchen island or basement bar and maybe cocktail or two were had. I've seen thought (vacation) float through the air an into one of their brains. And before Shauna and I can look at each other. The Atkins have both iphones buzzing at mach 3 with every travel website and travel app doing calculations. Thats when Jaimie grabs the laptop for more horsepower. I'm not kidding by the next morning or that night they have destinations, activities, flights transportation option in our email. Hell, we once booked $10k (final cost per family) spring break on a random weekday happy hour at a neighbor. So, what's my point?

When these two (Eric and Jamie) want to get something done they will find a way. Many times Shauna and I declined to come along on these vacations because of a conflict or weren't feeling the destination. 10 min later I had alternative Interary modified, on the item I drew concern over. The Twin Cities hospital's "itinerary for Eric sucked plain and simple. I wasn't there put I can picture it, the researched started in the car with iPhones and progressed to the laptops.

Long story short. They did it again. The Twin Cities hospital told the Atkins "No so to speak". Well, the Atkins don't accept no. They got a yes from the man the heads the number #1 ranked Urology department in this country. And he just so happens to be the world's #1 expert in advanced prostate cancer. They reviewed his case and accepted him 2 weeks ago. He's going to be hit with an ultra-insane (those are my words not Dr ;) chemo/radiation therapy regiment you name it they are throwing it him.

I'll put it bluntly. This was the only option and the Atkins found it and thankfully he met the requirements to be accepted.

Please help them continue the fight with any financial support you can provide. Cancers is bitch and she's an expensive too.

Thanks

Keith Harris