Support Eric’s Family & Funeral Expenses

Update 2/8/2025

Eric fought a hard battle with cancer and he passed away 2/5/2025. The cancer was aggressive and spread to the point of being not curable and having to prepare for palliative and hospice care. Unfortunately he passed away suddenly in his hometown, Hayward. He will be missed for his laugh, cooking, and stories of our adventures together and as a family. Most of all, we miss his big heart. Any donation made will be to help with funeral arrangements, residual medical bills, and helping myself and boys to navigate his loss.

I also want to take the time and thank everyone who was there for Eric, myself, and the boys. We appreciate you all and love you all too. -Sherry

UPDATE 2/28/25: Time stamps to order of ceremony, Reception information, and Flowers

Eric’s Celebration of Life is Thursday, March 6, 2025

Viewing: 8am-10am Sorensen Chapel

1140 B ST, Hayward, Ca 94541

Funeral: 10:30AM, All Saints Church

22824 2nd ST, Hayward, Ca 94541

Burial: 1 PM, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

26320 Mission Blvd, Hayward, Ca 94544

Reception: 2 PM, Los Dos Hermanos Restaurant

28257 Mission Blvd, Hayward, Ca 94544

Flowers to order through Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Website is not up to date and not recommended. It was suggested to locate a local flower shop in Hayward via yelp or google. The few flower shops located near the cemetery and on Mission Blvd are Hayward Flower Shop, 6 Star Florist and Gifts Corina, Karen’s Flower Kottage, Toms Flower Shop. Flowers can be delivered either on March 5, 2025 to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Funeral Center, which is one day before ceremony or delivered to All Saints Church on March 6, 2025 for the 10:30 service.

Thank you for all your support through this incredibly difficult time for myself and our family.

-Sherry

Eric’s story

Eric is a beloved respiratory therapist, a dedicated father to two young boys, a loving husband, and a cherished member of our community. He is passionate about his family and constantly strives to bring loved ones together through healthy home-cooked meals, celebrations, and active outings.

In December of 2023, Eric became very ill. At first, doctors attributed his symptoms to asthma, performing a chest x-ray and prescribing a steroid. His symptoms appeared to improve, but unfortunately, a small mass in his chest was missed during the initial x-ray. After his symptoms improved, Eric changed his work schedule from overnight to day shifts to minimize stress and control symptoms.

A few months later in mid-May 2024, Eric began experiencing a series of distressing symptoms: excruciating headaches, facial pain, numbness in his jaw, night sweats, and debilitating insomnia. Believing these issues were due to the demands of his early morning/overnight shifts as a healthcare worker and his role as the primary caregiver for his toddlers, Eric took some time off work to rest and recover.

However, Eric's health rapidly declined. In late-May 2024, his facial pain and numbness in his jaw worsened, making it impossible for him to eat solid foods. Just a week later, he was unable to walk due to severe pain in his legs and back, and he began experiencing terrible night sweats, intermittent fevers, and weight loss. Despite multiple attempts to find an expedited appointment with a neurologist and numerous ER visits, Eric’s condition worsened, causing immense worry for his family. During this time, Eric was unable to work or care for their two young boys. His wife, Sherry, began taking intermittent time off from her job to look after their children.

The Diagnosis

On Father’s Day 2024, Eric was finally admitted to the hospital, where metastatic tumors were discovered covering his spine and neck. The small mass that was overlooked in his chest x-ray in December 2023 grew exponentially. His eyesight also began to decline, and after thorough testing, he was diagnosed with the rare and highly aggressive Burkitt's Lymphoma. Immediate treatment was essential, turning the family's life upside-down.

Due to his severe condition, Eric was immediately transferred to UCSF Medical Center to receive a higher level of care and start rigorous treatment that he desperately needed.

The Impact on Eric’s Family

Eric and Sherry are equal providers for their household, and with limited income, the mounting hospital bills, childcare costs, rent, utilities, and the rising price of groceries, they are overwhelmed with financial hardship and stress. It is crucial that they focus on Eric’s recovery and the wellbeing of their young children without the burden of financial strain.

How You Can Help

A Message from the Family

We are fortunate to live near two of the best medical centers in the world, and that Eric began treatment when he did. If this had been caught any later, our story might have been much different. Eric is a true warrior, and is currently fighting for his life with aggressive treatments, constant blood transfusions, lumbar punctures, and a plethora of other tests. He loves his job as a respiratory therapist, where he helps people breathe and live fully. Now, it is time for us to help Eric obtain a new lease on life. We are extremely hopeful for remission and a curable outcome, and are eagerly waiting for him to come home. Doctors are extremely optimistic and the level of care he is receiving at UCSF is phenomenal.

Eric has always been the rock of our family, bringing everyone together with his love and generosity. Now, we are coming together to support him and his family in this time of need. We are grateful for any help you can offer, whether it’s a donation, a share, or simply keeping Eric in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We truly appreciate any kindness and support.

-Mathewson and Barndts’ Family

Cover photo taken April 29, 2024 at Monterey, California. A beloved destination for Sherry and Eric. Creating new memories with their boys.

Photo taken March 2024 at San Francisco Zoo during Saint Patrick’s Day.

Lucas and Giuseppe Get Well Cards posted in Eric’s UCSF Hospital room.

Patients with disabilities - independence and fun

Any residual donations once this window in our lives has passed will be donated to UCSF Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology.