Support Erica Through Growing Medical Needs

My name is Erica Christian. I am a bartender at Silver Lyan and a community-centered curator through two projects, Empowering the Diner and Satiated. Through my projects, I create inclusive anti-colonial narratives to better increase access to food and beverage through empowerment and sensory-driven beverage experiences while centering our need for joy as nutrients. I also advocate for the inclusion of chronically ill and disabled bartenders behind the bar and beyond (read my oral piece in issue 2 of Places You Are Welcome).

I have worked incredibly hard through the severe pain and extreme difficulties associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis, an inflammatory disease and autoimmune disorder, and Fibromyalgia, a chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder, to work full-time at an amazing and physically demanding bar. I have taken on more learning and opportunities, like Camp Runamok '25 Fall Session, but my health issues, pain, and symptoms have grown to be more severe. I now have more degeneration throughout my spine, multiple protrusions from my cervical spine to my lumbar spine, a fissure in my lumbar, and inflammation and fluid in my hips. Dealing with these issues has meant missing work beyond my sick leave hours and an ever-growing cost of treatment and maintenance.

With the amount of work I've missed and the amount of treatment I need, I cannot currently afford to keep up with the costs of medications and appointments. My treatment plan includes:

Any financial support will help me cover extensive costs associated with the treatments I need to be able to maintain full-time work and continue pushing toward the many opportunities I have in this beverage industry. It will also help me cover transportation costs and any alternative treatments that have been effective for decreasing pain and inflammation.

So help me keep moving forward in an industry I am deeply passionate about; an industry where I have had and continue to have an impact. Give what you can and share with your networks. Your support is both helpful and greatly appreciated!