Help Erin Fight Her Rare and Life-Threatening Disease

If you’ve been directed to this page, you already know how incredible Erin is. She is unapologetically independent, fiercely intelligent, a devoted mother, and an all-around genuine person. She would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need.

Now, Erin is the one who needs our help.

A Rare and Devastating Diagnosis:

Earlier this month, Erin was diagnosed with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)—an extremely rare and life-threatening autoimmune disease, formerly known as Wegener’s disease. GPA is an Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies-associated (ANCA-associated) vasculitis disease. GPA affects only 10 out of every one million people worldwide. It causes severe inflammation of small and medium-sized blood vessels, leading to organ damage, particularly in the kidneys, lungs, and upper respiratory tract. The first year is extremely critical for those diagnosed with GPA.

Without treatment, the average life expectancy is just five months, and less than 50% of untreated individuals survive one year. Fortunately, with advanced treatment options, 80% of those treated make it to 8 years. Erin has been experiencing symptoms for approximately 15 months, making it a miracle that she is still here with us today. This last year alone, she suffered four significant upper respiratory infections, which all required antibiotics, steroids, and inhalers due to her unknown compromised immune system. Not only was she sick for weeks at a time, discounting symptoms to allergies and a cold, but as a result of her last infection, she also completely lost her voice for nearly an entire month, literally 25 days-- I know this because she counted every single day.

Additionally, further studies have shown that

• 80% relapse within the first five years, with even higher rates if the kidneys and lungs are involved (as they are in Erin’s case).

• The average life expectancy is just 18 years after diagnosis.

• Ongoing, aggressive treatment will be required for the rest of her life.

The Fight Ahead:

Erin’s battle will be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. She has dedicated 14 years to nursing, caring for others as a Nurse House Supervisor at Valleywise Hospital. Now, she is unable to work—her immune system is in a compromised state and will weaken further once treatment is started.

Her future is uncertain, and even everyday tasks like grocery shopping will be too dangerous in an increased immunosuppressed state during treatment.

Intensive, Lengthy and Costly Treatment:

There are very few treatment options due to this disease’s rarity. Treatment options may include cancer agents such as chemotherapy, organ transplant anti-rejection medications, plasma exchange, and high-dose corticosteroids—often requiring a combination of two or three of these treatments. No matter the approach, this is one of the challenges she will face. She will also require further testing, imaging, diagnostics, and weekly labs monitoring cell count.

Hopeful that once Erin DOES reach remission and she will (because she is a fighter), she desires to return to work as a nurse. However, the reality of her situation may require her to choose a different role as a nurse to eliminate or reduce exposure to infection or illness as her immune system will not ever be 100% with this disease requiring lifelong medication and continuous monitoring.

A Mother’s Fight for More Time:

Above all else, Erin is a mother to two incredible young men: Trent (17) – A bright, talented football player and high school junior with big college dreams. Troy (19) – A hardworking student at ASU with a passion for engineering, fresh off a summer working as a fisherman in Alaska.

Their bond is unbreakable, and they need their mom. Erin’s biggest fight isn’t just for herself—it’s for more time with them.

How You Can Help:

This GoFundMe is to support Erin through her first and most critical year of treatment. She has a home, bills, medical expenses, and everyday costs that won’t stop, even though her ability to work has. Your donations will help cover:
✔️ Medical bills & treatments
✔️ Housing & utilities
✔️ Groceries & essentials
✔️ Transportation & daily expenses

Erin has always been the one to lift others up, but now it’s our turn to lift her up. She would never ask for help—but she needs it, and every dollar makes a difference.

If you can’t donate, please share this page to help spread the word. Let’s come together and give Erin the strength and support she needs and deserves for this fight.

Our goal with this fundraiser is, of course, to help a friend in need, but that is just the start. Moving forward we will advocate to raise awareness for this rare disease,

We are going to be advocates and ambassadors moving forward. With that said, once our goal is reached, we will donate 7% of every dollar raised to the Vasculitis Foundation.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and love.