Help Support Erik’s Cancer Treatments

Hello!

This is Johnna. My husband Erik has been a healthy vibrant 46yr old enjoying newly married life in Sarasota, Florida! :) In our first year of marriage last year, I had neck surgery for an artificial disc replacement which had me down for months. We grew in love over this challenge together, and now we are on a much bigger journey with the opportunity to grow in love and resilience even more!

DIAGNOSIS

On March 7, 2024, Erik had a colonoscopy and a rectal tumor was discovered. After a CT scan and MRI, he was diagnosed with stage 2 rectal cancer with a T3 tumor -meaning it has penetrated 3 of the 4 layers of skin. This tumor is low lying, just 2cm from sphincter muscles. The goal is to preserve this muscle so he can avoid a lifetime colostomy bag. We are grateful rectal cancer can be treated, but his is a bit complex due to the location of the tumor and will take an aggressive treatment to succeed in killing all the cancer, preventing it from returning, and preserving the sphincter muscles. The rectal surgeon believes his tumor has been there for about 3yrs.

TREATMENT

He has an amazing team of doctors and after much research and deliberation, we have a peace about moving forward with chemotherapy to begin April 17, 2024. After two months of chemo, they will reassess to see if radiation will be needed. Surgery may also be required to remove the rectum (yes, entire rectum -not the colon- along with the lymph nodes) which will help prevent the cancer from returning, once treatments are complete. This would include a temporary colostomy bag and he will have to relearn how to use the restroom.

Erik's resilience this month has amazed me. He is a fighter and wants to do anything holistically in his power through these treatments as well. He immediately changed his entire diet and started back at the gym, and lost 15lbs the first two weeks by cutting out all sugars and most carbs. He has a new juicer and is incorporating fresh raw organic juice daily!

Once the cancer is all gone, he will be under "surveillance" for a minimum of 5yrs with regular scans and MRI's to ensure the cancer hasn't returned.

FINANCIAL

We have Aetna insurance with an annual out of pocket each in the amount of $6500, and thereafter insurance pays 80% and we pay 20%. In one month, we have already met the out of pocket amount and are realizing this is the beginning of a long journey. Erik works at Apple and his team there is so supportive, and he has been approved to take off work if the treatments cause him to be ill. Unfortunately, he does not have short term disability so any time off work will be unpaid.

Your donation will support Erik's medical expenses and any time off work that he must take due to chemotherapy treatments.

GRATEFUL!

I never in my lifetime thought I would be creating a GoFundMe, but we are realizing this diagnosis is a much larger mountain than we can handle alone. But you know what?... our ARMY OF LOVE is larger! We have already been so blessed by the love, support and encouragement by so many of you. Thank you!!

We cherish every prayer and every note sent our way. Thank you in advance to all that are supporting us! May you receive 10x blessings in return!

AWARENESS

Polyps in the colon can turn into cancer. A colonoscopy isn't just a procedure to check things out, it actually is a preventative measure because they can remove the polyp during the procedure! It can save your life! Symptoms are oftentimes nonexistent. The only thing Erik noticed was skinnier stools just recently (and the tumor has been there about 3yrs!). The doctor commended him for being in tune with his body and responding quickly. So be sure to schedule your colonoscopy today! If you are 45yrs old or older, you're overdue. If you have a relative with polyps or a parent or sibling that has had colorectal cancer, get your colonoscopy now!

Please share Erik's story to spread the awareness. Share this link: https://gofund.me/15bd624c or use the share links under the "Donate now" button (at the top if you're on a mobile device, or on the right if you're on a desktop). Thank you!!

*After reading the GoFundMe details, we see that we will receive all donations minus 2.9% + .30 cent transaction fee for each donation. (https://www.gofundme.com/c/pricing)

Our donation goal may change as we learn of his medical expenses in the coming weeks.

I will post updates here to keep everyone updated on his treatment progress.

THANK YOU!

Our mailing address is:

Erik and Johnna Richardson

PO Box 5704

Sarasota FL 34277