Team Erik
Donation protected
Erik Melde, hemophiliac, father of 3, son, brother, and friend to so many (as well as a new grandpa!), was recently diagnosed with an infection in his brain called Progressive Multifocal Leukoencepalopathy or PML. All who know him know that he would be, and has been, the first in line to help anyone in need. Now it's our turn to help him through this trial. The virus that is attacking his brain has left him unable to communicate, read and write. We are now his voice. Erik has always been a very private person, but he is loved by all who know him and so we are reaching out for help on his behalf.
This disease, in its early stages, causes the victim to want to isolate themselves from family and friends. This has been the case with Erik and so many who were once very involved in his life, over the past two years, found themselves shut out. As we have discovered Erik's illness and stepped in to help, we also discovered that he has not been employed for the past 2 years and has been living off of his savings and retirement. He is now completely out of money and is severely behind in his monthly obligations, including his utilities and payment on his mortgage.
We need to rally around Erik, as he has done for so many of us in the past, and help him to know he is not alone. We are hoping to raise enough funds to help catch him up on his expenses to keep him in his home. So much has been taken from him and we are desperate to keep him in his familiar surroundings.
We do not know what the outcome will be for him. We are hopeful that the therapy to help his immune system fight off the virus will be successful. Until his immune system kicks in over the next few months, the disease will continue to take a toll on his brain. Not knowing the future, we feel a sense of urgency to relieve him of the stress and worry he has dealt with the past few years as he has suffered silently with PML. Please help if you can. Any amount will be so very appreciated.
Funds donated will be used to pay for his medical bills, medications, and resources to help him through this time like speech therapy, etc. Funds will also be used to help with daily living expenses and to keep Erik in his home as long as possible. All funds will be handled by Erik's daughter, Nicole. Erik and his family are currently residing in Salt Lake City, Utah.
With love,
Easton and Nicole Smith (son-in-law and daughter of Erik)
This disease, in its early stages, causes the victim to want to isolate themselves from family and friends. This has been the case with Erik and so many who were once very involved in his life, over the past two years, found themselves shut out. As we have discovered Erik's illness and stepped in to help, we also discovered that he has not been employed for the past 2 years and has been living off of his savings and retirement. He is now completely out of money and is severely behind in his monthly obligations, including his utilities and payment on his mortgage.
We need to rally around Erik, as he has done for so many of us in the past, and help him to know he is not alone. We are hoping to raise enough funds to help catch him up on his expenses to keep him in his home. So much has been taken from him and we are desperate to keep him in his familiar surroundings.
We do not know what the outcome will be for him. We are hopeful that the therapy to help his immune system fight off the virus will be successful. Until his immune system kicks in over the next few months, the disease will continue to take a toll on his brain. Not knowing the future, we feel a sense of urgency to relieve him of the stress and worry he has dealt with the past few years as he has suffered silently with PML. Please help if you can. Any amount will be so very appreciated.
Funds donated will be used to pay for his medical bills, medications, and resources to help him through this time like speech therapy, etc. Funds will also be used to help with daily living expenses and to keep Erik in his home as long as possible. All funds will be handled by Erik's daughter, Nicole. Erik and his family are currently residing in Salt Lake City, Utah.
With love,
Easton and Nicole Smith (son-in-law and daughter of Erik)
Organizer
Easton Smith
Organizer
Sandy City, UT
