<div>We are organizing a fundraiser to support our dear friend, Erica—a disabled survivor, devoted mother, and mental health advocate. Erica has had a positive impact on countless community members and students through mental health advocacy, peer support, and teaching workshops on the intersections of disability justice, mental health, art, and survivorhood. <strong>Now, she needs community support after nearly two years of back-to-back medical and financial crises for her and her family. </strong>
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<div><strong>About Erica</strong>
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<div>Erica moves us with her determination and positive spirit. She is a local artist and disability justice advocate and is known for her kindness, empathy, and smile. She is a survivor of violence and has experienced significant traumas throughout her life, yet she still continues to radiate joy and healing even after what she’s been through. She is also living with chronic illness and disability.
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<div>In 2023, she and her partner Ian welcomed a baby who spent his first month in the NICU, causing intense emotional distress and financial crisis/loss of income for their family. Then, in 2024 Erica developed a rare, severe and debilitating illness and subsequently lost her job which was the family’s sole source of income. Erica and her family have to travel to Boston frequently for medical care and pay out of pocket costs for specialists, all while keeping up with regular bills, housing expenses, and caring for their child.
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<div><strong>How Your Contribution Helps</strong>
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<div>Your donations will directly assist Erica and her family with:
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<li>Medical Expenses: Covering remaining medical bills not covered by insurance.
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<li>Travel for Medical Care: Funding travel to Boston for specialized care, including gas, food, and accommodations.
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<li>Home Essentials: Food and groceries, diapers and clothes for baby, bills, housing costs, and overall gaining financial independence as a family.
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<li>Care and Support: Access to additional supports to ease the demands of being a new mom while managing disability.
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<div><strong>Join Us</strong>
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<div>Please share this fundraiser with your friends, family, and networks so that we can uplift Erica and her family through the power of community.
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Lindsey Dunlap

Anonymous

Emily Kindschy

Nisha Cirino

Loretta Hennessey

Garon Scott

Rachel Appel

Isla Bristol

Maureen Tierney

Khalid Almubarak

Cobalt Tolbert

Margaret Hart-Smith

Perri Schodorf

Donate to Uplift Erica and Her Family in Need

Donate to Uplift Erica and Her Family in Need

Still $1,624 to go. Help us build momentum.