A Mother's Christmas Wish
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Jackie, I am Eric's mother, and I would like to ask you to look deep in your heart during this holiday season and please help with whatever you can.
At the tender age of 10, after complaining of stomach pain and visiting the doctor many times, my son Eric was diagnosed with two forms of liver disease. Primary Schlerosing Colangitis, and Auto Immune Hepatitis. Basically, my 10 year old had a disease that normally affects men in their 40's, and if that disease wasn't enough, his own body decided to try and destroy the organ that was so sick. This was in the year 2000.
By 2008 he was listed for a liver transplant. We all know how long that can take, so we opted for a living donor, and the transplant was perfromed. Eric had just finished his first year of Police Foundations but didn't return for the second year as the prospect of finishing and getting hired with his health issues were unrealistic.
After recovering from the transplant Eric changed his course of studies and had hope of normalicy once again, but that didn't last long. Eric was also dealing with Ulcerative Cholitis and, in order to be able to attend College without the worry of having to "find a washroom", he had his Colon removed and lived with a collection bag for the next 5 years of his life.
Despite all his efforts, he again became to sick to attend and finish his program of studies at college. This is where his spirit starts to break. Feeling like he would never get a good education or job because of his health, but already $20,000 in debt with student loans. He has given up on education but still holds on to his dream of taking a road trip to Western Canada, B.C. specifically, where he always thought he wanted to live.
Fast forward to 2016 and things have gotten bad. Two infections in his liver this year have left him with drainage tubes in his liver sticking out of his side resulting in his inability to work, yet again. I thank God that as Canadians we have ODSP so at least his (very expensive ) medication is covered. Good thing as I have not been able to work in a year. But his health continues to deteriorate as a result of his failing liver.
Eric has now been listed for his second transplant. The first is being called "failed" because the infections will just keep coming. Unfortunately, another living donor is not an option.
So we wait. We wait for someone to die. We wait for the loss and grief of others to bring us happiness. Seems strange but its the reality we face.
While we wait, Eric struggles and gets sicker. ODSP is $525.00 a month too little to cover his rent, bills, etc.
It could take a year until an organ is available for Eric, that is approximately $6000. The rest? To take Eric on that roadtrip. The funds would allow me, Eric and his girlfriend to make this once in a lifetime trip, Why do we all need to go? Eric is sick. If things get bad while we are on the roadtrip he needs someone to care for him. Get him to a hospital, on a plane, whatever is needed.
There is a short window of time that Eric would be well enough to make this trip. That is why I have turned to "gofundme". Time is of the essence.
Eric made me promise that if he dies, I would have him cremated so that I could spread his ashes on a mountain.. I WANT HIM TO PICK THE MOUNTAIN!
I have never looked for help from anyone. I didn't know about tax credits until he was 16 and never used Children's Wish. I certainly would now but I don't think there are any organizations for people in their 20's. It's all up to me.....and you. My heart aches for my son. I want to bring him some happiness before he gets too sick to travel.
We will be creating a photographic journal of his journey which we will turn into an e-book. Everyone who donates at least $50 will receive a free copy to show our appreciation for your generosity.
Having a sick child leaves a parent feeling very helpless. Being able to do this trip for Eric and by taking the pressure off him financially so he can heal makes me feel like I'm doing something for him so he can worry only about getting better. We will be forever grateful to any and all that can assist in any way.
Help me to help Eric find his mountain.
If you have ever considered being an organ donor, register your wishes at beadonor.ca .... Thank you.
At the tender age of 10, after complaining of stomach pain and visiting the doctor many times, my son Eric was diagnosed with two forms of liver disease. Primary Schlerosing Colangitis, and Auto Immune Hepatitis. Basically, my 10 year old had a disease that normally affects men in their 40's, and if that disease wasn't enough, his own body decided to try and destroy the organ that was so sick. This was in the year 2000.
By 2008 he was listed for a liver transplant. We all know how long that can take, so we opted for a living donor, and the transplant was perfromed. Eric had just finished his first year of Police Foundations but didn't return for the second year as the prospect of finishing and getting hired with his health issues were unrealistic.
After recovering from the transplant Eric changed his course of studies and had hope of normalicy once again, but that didn't last long. Eric was also dealing with Ulcerative Cholitis and, in order to be able to attend College without the worry of having to "find a washroom", he had his Colon removed and lived with a collection bag for the next 5 years of his life.
Despite all his efforts, he again became to sick to attend and finish his program of studies at college. This is where his spirit starts to break. Feeling like he would never get a good education or job because of his health, but already $20,000 in debt with student loans. He has given up on education but still holds on to his dream of taking a road trip to Western Canada, B.C. specifically, where he always thought he wanted to live.
Fast forward to 2016 and things have gotten bad. Two infections in his liver this year have left him with drainage tubes in his liver sticking out of his side resulting in his inability to work, yet again. I thank God that as Canadians we have ODSP so at least his (very expensive ) medication is covered. Good thing as I have not been able to work in a year. But his health continues to deteriorate as a result of his failing liver.
Eric has now been listed for his second transplant. The first is being called "failed" because the infections will just keep coming. Unfortunately, another living donor is not an option.
So we wait. We wait for someone to die. We wait for the loss and grief of others to bring us happiness. Seems strange but its the reality we face.
While we wait, Eric struggles and gets sicker. ODSP is $525.00 a month too little to cover his rent, bills, etc.
It could take a year until an organ is available for Eric, that is approximately $6000. The rest? To take Eric on that roadtrip. The funds would allow me, Eric and his girlfriend to make this once in a lifetime trip, Why do we all need to go? Eric is sick. If things get bad while we are on the roadtrip he needs someone to care for him. Get him to a hospital, on a plane, whatever is needed.
There is a short window of time that Eric would be well enough to make this trip. That is why I have turned to "gofundme". Time is of the essence.
Eric made me promise that if he dies, I would have him cremated so that I could spread his ashes on a mountain.. I WANT HIM TO PICK THE MOUNTAIN!
I have never looked for help from anyone. I didn't know about tax credits until he was 16 and never used Children's Wish. I certainly would now but I don't think there are any organizations for people in their 20's. It's all up to me.....and you. My heart aches for my son. I want to bring him some happiness before he gets too sick to travel.
We will be creating a photographic journal of his journey which we will turn into an e-book. Everyone who donates at least $50 will receive a free copy to show our appreciation for your generosity.
Having a sick child leaves a parent feeling very helpless. Being able to do this trip for Eric and by taking the pressure off him financially so he can heal makes me feel like I'm doing something for him so he can worry only about getting better. We will be forever grateful to any and all that can assist in any way.
Help me to help Eric find his mountain.
If you have ever considered being an organ donor, register your wishes at beadonor.ca .... Thank you.
Organizer
Jackie Erikson
Organizer
Toronto, ON