Support Erin in her fight against Breast Cancer❤️

**OCTOBER 2ND, UPDATE ON ERIN'S JOURNEY***

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share an update on Erin’s progress...

On July 30, Erin underwent a double mastectomy, and since then, she has been home and focusing on her recovery.

The month of August was filled with alot of physical and emotional pain for Erin, and as her sister, it was extremely hard to see while there was not much I could do for her other than be with her.

September, things became a bit better. She had her drains removed and that was a big move to help her discomfort.

Her next postop appointments and scans are scheduled for October and November, and we are feeling hopeful for her outcome.

Looking ahead, Erin is scheduled for reconstructive surgery in the spring, and I will update once we know more on this.

Erin would like to thank everyone for the love and support you've all shown—your kindness means the world to her!

We’re incredibly grateful for the funds raised over the past few months, which have been spent wisely to support her through this time.

That said, Erin still has a long road ahead. As many of you know, Erin is a professional cake maker, a job that requires a lot of work with her hands and arms. Unfortunately, she currently has expanders in her chest after her surgery, which are quite painful and make it difficult for her to work. Until her reconstruction is completed, she won’t be able to return to making her incredible cakes.

Despite these challenges, Erin is staying positive and is determined to meet her goals—not only to recover fully but also to help others who are facing breast cancer in the future.

Thank you again for your continued support, and please keep Erin in your thoughts as she continues her journey!

If you are able to donate, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Sincerely,

Kelly Mackin

(Erin's sister)

***ORIGINAL POST***

My sister Erin is about to start her journey with the big "C"... and no, this time, it's not cake.... 

It's Cancer....

I think I need to start by saying that most of you know my sister as "Cakes by Erin" the local Food Network star, and hard working business owner.

But to me, she is my big sister. My rock, my voice of reason, my biggest fan and my biggest critic. She also helped raise me growing up when my mother was unwell and not able, and even became my legal guardian when our mom passed away suddenly. Fitting that I am writing this gofundme story the day before Mother's day. That being said, I would do ANYthing for her and that includes putting our pride aside multiple times, to ask for help.

Ok, now the straight facts.

Erin has had more hardships in the last few years than anyone I know. And she has taken each challenge with grace, strength, and a positive attitude.

In March of 2020, Erin came down with covid and had a stroke. She was in the hospital for a week, and out of work for 5 months. Thankfully we had an amazing team of women employees/friends who were able to step up and keep Erin's cake shop running and open.

In August of 2023, Erin was told by her doctors that she needed major neck/spine surgery, as well as surgery on her left arm.

Being the hard worker that she is, Erin put off these much needed surgeries until January of 2024 so she could fulfill the cake orders she had already taken and also work through the holidays to offer her nut free treats to her loyal customers.

January 5th 2024, Erin had her neck and spine surgery. 

March 4th 2024, she had surgery on her left arm.

Early April, she begin physical therapy on her neck, back, and arm. She was working very hard towards recovery and getting back to normal life after anticipated at least 3-4 months not being physically well. 

May 8th 2024... she gets a call after multiple tests, and is diagnosed with breast cancer...

She begins treatment in 2 weeks at Dana Farber in Boston.

Sorry for LOTS of info, but i felt it was important to let people know that Erin has just not had the best luck in the last 4 years.

She isn't just my sister, she truly is one of the best humans I know and simply can't seem to catch a break lately.

I have started this GoFundMe account to ease the financial burden for Erin. I have felt completely helpless in every situation that she has been in, and if the only real help people can offer is to help financially then that is one less thing she has to worry about while she fights for her life!

Her next days, weeks, and months ahead she will need to be at countless doctor appointments, and we will know exactly what is next for her and I will update here as much as possible as we go.

Erin is a single mom with 3 amazing kids (who will help take good care of her!) and she is also self employed. She has immediately, once again, stopped taking cake orders and has no other source of income..

As you can imagine the normal costs of every day living...such as mortgage, utilities, food, gas, car, etc are a huge stress in her life not being able to work.

The medical costs for cancer treatment can be astronomical and we have found that Erin does not have great small business insurance. 

(we are looking into other insurance options proactively)

All of this being said, Erin does not like asking for help. ever. Which is why I take charge and ask for help on her behalf, whether she gives me permission to or not :-)

She has been so humbled by all the well wishes so far already, and people reaching out to her to support her!

If you are able, please donate, and if you are unable to donate, you can share this gofundme as a way to help. 

I will personally be hosting some fundraisers as well as baking my ass off to sell as many cupcakes as I can for the future so we can ensure Erin's ONLY focus is to BEAT CANCER!

Thank you all for reading, thank you for supporting my sister,... please feel free to leave her words of encouragement while she FIGHTS LIKE A GIRL! 

Sincerely,

the little sister of the most amazing big sister ever.

- Kelly Mackin-