Help Erik on His Road to Recovery: ICU to Long-Term Care

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$15,835 raised of $20K

Help Erik on His Road to Recovery: ICU to Long-Term Care

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A Brief Look at Erik’s Journey:

Erik Dimapilis, 24, is fighting for his life after suffering a sudden brain injury caused by a ruptured tumor on February 11. He underwent emergency brain surgery and remains in a subacute care facility, showing small but hopeful signs—blinking, moving slightly, and responding to music and voice messages.

His mother, Bien, a dedicated nurse, has been by his side, advocating for every step of his care while also raising her 1-year-old son, Ezra. His father, Ben, has remained fully present, committed to Erik’s recovery. His younger brother, a student at UCR, has been balancing school while supporting his brother's recovery. The road ahead is long, and the financial burden is heavy.

Please help us give Erik a fighting chance. Every donation, prayer, and share makes a difference.
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Erik’s story is one of resilience, unconditional love, and unwavering hope. Below, we share the full details of the night everything changed, his fight for survival, and why we need your help more than ever.

FULL STORY:

ABOUT ERIK
Erik Dimapilis is a compassionate 24-year-old from Los Angeles County, California. Known for his delightful sense of humor, he is cherished by many who consider him their best friend. As a sweet and caring individual, Erik is an amazing big brother, loving son, and devoted grandson. He has a deep passion for his work with autistic children, dedicating his career to making a positive impact in their lives. In addition to his professional endeavors, Erik was diligently completing his studies to earn a college degree, reflecting his dedication to personal growth and excellence. His commitment to helping others, combined with his infectious spirit, has inspired everyone who knows him.

WHAT HAPPENED
Every parent’s worst nightmare is watching their child go from perfectly fine one moment to fighting for their life the next. On the night of February 11, Erik Dimapilis, suffered a sudden and devastating brain injury caused by a ruptured tumor that no one knew was there.

His uncle, Jonas, found Erik standing in his doorway, struggling to stay on his feet. Erik managed to whisper, “Help me,” before collapsing. His aunt immediately performed CPR until paramedics arrived. His mom, Bien, who was in another city, rushed to his side and arrived just as the ambulance did.

At the hospital, doctors discovered the heartbreaking cause—a ruptured brain tumor that had been completely undiagnosed. While undergoing a CT scan, Erik suffered multiple seizures due to severe hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain). His condition quickly worsened, and he was placed in a medically induced coma to stabilize him. That night, he underwent emergency brain surgery (craniotomy) to relieve pressure on his brain. Since then, he has endured multiple surgeries and procedures to fight for his life.

For weeks, Erik remained in critical care, first in the ICU and later in PCU, with his mom, Bien, and dad, Ben, by his side 24/7. Though they have built separate lives, they have come together in love and strength for Erik, united in their commitment to his healing. His younger brother, a student at UCR, has been balancing school while supporting his brother's recovery.

HOLDING TO HOPE
Though Erik hasn’t fully woken up, we see signs that he is still fighting. He has started responding in small but powerful ways—blinking to answer yes-or-no questions, moving slightly when loved ones talk to him, and reacting to music, especially worship songs sung by his cousin, Kaydence. He also responds to heartfelt voice messages from friends and family, as if their words give him strength. These moments remind us that he is still here, still fighting his way back to us.

THE LONG ROAD AHEAD
This week, Erik was transferred to a subacute care facility, a small but significant step forward. However, his journey is far from over. His recovery will require extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and around-the-clock care from specialists.

His mother, Bien, a dedicated nurse, has been by his side every step of the way—advocating for his medical needs, ensuring he receives the best care possible, and fighting for every opportunity to aid his recovery. At the same time, she is raising and caring for her 1-year-old son, Ezra, all while balancing the immense responsibility of being there for Erik. His father, Ben, has also been with Erik 24/7, fully committed to supporting him through this critical time.

HOW YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP
We urgently ask for your continued prayers, shares, and donations. Every dollar makes a difference—whether it’s covering medical treatments, ensuring Erik receives the therapy he needs, or helping his family stay by his side during this critical time.

Your generosity will provide crucial assistance by funding:
• Ongoing medical treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Specialist consultations and essential medications
• Round-the-clock nursing and personal care assistance
• Therapies to aid in Erik’s recovery, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Supporting his parents in their commitment to remain by his side as he continues this battle

PLEASE HELP US GIVE ERIK A FIGHTING CHANCE
To everyone who has already given, shared, and prayed—thank you from the depths of our hearts. Your generosity and kindness have been a source of strength for Erik’s family.

Please continue to pray for Erik. We believe in miracles. We believe Erik will wake up. We believe that, with God’s healing and your support, Erik will come back to us.

From all of us—thank you for standing with Erik.

This fundraiser has been organized by Erik's loving "Aunties" for Erik and his family.

Mallory Anderson, Michelle Lucas & Denise Walker♥️

Co-organizers3

Michelle Lucas
Organizer
Carson, CA
Co-organizer
Denise Walker
Co-organizer
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