Rainbows and Narwhals for Erin's Recovery



The last couple of years have brought some challenges for Erin Anderson and her family. She’s recently been diagnosed with Gastroparesis (a rare disease that by itself is intense and extremely challenging) as well as more recently a bulging disc and hip issue. After some tests, procedures, and trouble-shooting with medication and diet changes,
Erin is in a place where her Gastroparesis is manageable, her herniated disc is mending, and she’s awaiting a trip to St Louis to deal with the hip issue.


She still has a painful test ahead of her to get the problem diagnosed, but it’s looking like she has a labral tear on her right side from a birth injury over ten years ago.

The situation

The good news is that Erin’s hip condition has a very good prognosis for being treatable without doing a hip replacement.  She’s excited about the prospect of walking better than she has in over a decade!

The bad news is that along with a costly surgery, medication and other medical equipment not covered by insurance, there will be months of rehab in Erin’s future. 

Even through all of this, with all her medical needs at this point, Erin can still see herself on top of a peak at Philmont with the kids in a few years! She has a lot of fun plans, but just needs life to stop standing in her way!


What insurance doesn’t cover

While Erin is incredibly grateful to have insurance coverage, there’s a lot that insurance doesn’t cover.

Insurance doesn’t cover rent, food, or living expenses.

Insurance doesn’t cover the costs of travel to a different city and housing there for treatment.

There is no guarantee that any particular medical expense will be covered by insurance, and the potential costs could be huge.  On top of that, there’s a minimum of 6 months of physical therapy post-surgery.
Loans are challenging to get for these types of expenses.


Who is Erin?

Erin is an amazing mother, partner and friend.  She volunteers her time in the community and at her children’s school. If you’ve participated in a Wiley Yard Sale or Family Movie Night, then you’ve met Erin and her sparkly personality. If you’ve ever attended an evening at Portlandia then you’ve experienced her hospitality and kindness. If you’ve listened to Amasong’s music then you’ve heard Erin sing.  If you’ve marched in a pride parade, then you’ve marched alongside Erin.


What we can do? 

Erin is such a loving and giving person.  Let’s love on her now in a way that can really make a difference in her quality of life.  She’s not comfortable asking for help but is always one of the first people to offer it to others. 

If you are able to donate toward her expenses I know it will be a blessing to her beyond measure!

Who I Am

I'm Karla, someone who is lucky enough to call Erin a friend. I offered to help start this campaign because I want to do something to help her continue to get healthier and reduce the anxiety associated with any medical procedure and recovery.  Erin and her caregiver/partner will be the direct beneficiaries of this account.