Our dear friend Erin was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She is still in the early phase of learning what her full treatment plan will require, including genetic results and whether chemotherapy will be necessary. There are many unknowns at this point. What we do know at this stage is that Erin is scheduled for surgery on December 5th, will need radiation, and will begin hormone-blocking therapy for five years following treatment.

For those who know Erin, you know how deeply and consistently she has shown up for others. Erin does not separate her work from her personal life. She believes that community is a lived experience and must be nurtured. Her impact goes beyond principle; it is expressed through real relationships, enduring friendships, and a commitment to disrupting systems of oppression, while creating spaces for women, children, and those whose voices have historically been marginalized.

Erin’s Work in the Community

Erin is a 500-hour certified yoga teacher and holds a Master’s degree in Intercultural Youth and Family Development. Her teaching and facilitation work center accessibility, restoration, and the kind of body- and community-care practices that help people reconnect with their bodies, with one another, and with a deeper sense of self-awareness, accountability, and love for self and community.

Through her company, Eadem Arbor, Erin has built a livelihood based on teaching, community wellness support, and justice-centered consulting. Because she is fully self-employed, her income depends entirely on her ability to physically teach, facilitate, and work with clients. As she prepares for surgery and healing, she will be unable to work for all of December, will have limited capacity in January — and possibly beyond, depending on what her recovery requires.

Our most immediate goal is to ensure that Erin can meet her basic living expenses during her recovery. We are raising funds to support her for December, January, and February, giving her the time and financial stability she needs to heal without fear, scarcity, or pressure to return to work too soon.

Additionally, because Erin will be on long-term hormone-blocking therapy, there is an open and tender question about how this may affect her ability to have children in the future. One option she is exploring is freezing eggs prior to treatment, a costly process that is not covered by insurance.

Egg-freezing in the U.S. typically costs $10,000–$20,000 for one cycle, with additional annual storage fees. While Erin is hesitant to ask for support around this, we as her community want to offer space for those who feel moved to help her preserve the possibility of having children someday. That said, her immediate needs for basic living expenses remain the priority.

Aloe Duane: Her Healing Companion

The other part of Erin’s in-home family is a pup named Aloe Duane, who has become a constant source of comfort, joy, and companionship. As Erin moves through her treatment and recovery, it’s important that Aloe is also cared for, so he can remain by her side throughout this time.

Our Fundraising Goal

We are setting a fundraising goal of $20,000 to cover:

• Erin’s living expenses for December, January, and February

• Post-surgery needs and unexpected medical costs

• Support for Aloe Duane during Erin’s treatment

• A cushion toward fertility preservation should Erin choose this path

How You Can Support

We are asking friends, family, students, colleagues, and anyone touched by Erin’s work to consider giving — at any amount — and to share this fundraiser within your networks. Every contribution helps Erin heal from a place of safety, steadiness, and love.

Thank you for the care, generosity, and community you have shown Erin. Your support will help lift her through this challenging season and allow her to return to the work and relationships she deeply loves — stronger, supported, and hopeful.

With love and gratitude,

Erin’s Community