Angels for Erica

Hi there,
My name is Erica Lamb and I am a 25 year cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma stage IV at the age of 20. I endured 8 months of chemo only to relapse 6 months later. In 1990 I had a bone marrow transplant, then relapsed again in 1993 and had another bone marrow transplant. The doctor told my mother that at that point, I had about a 10% chance to live and could live to the ripe old age of 37. By the grace of God, many healing prayers, a wonderful family and support system, and an excellent medical team I am now almost 50.

Now again I face another challenging battle with cancer as I was diagnosed with Squamous cell carcinoma on March 1st this year. This is cancer of the hypo pharynx and on Thursday April 5th I will have surgery to remove this mass and lymph nodes in the neck. There is a 2 - 3 week recovery period and I will not be able to work during this time. Approximately the middle of May I will begin radiation treatments that I will need every day for 6 weeks. The surgery and radiation may cause weight loss, difficulty swallowing/eating, mouth sores and dry mouth.

Because I took at new job as a home health medical and oncology social worker back in December of last year, and having time off for another unrelated surgery in January,  I only have about 3 paid time off days to take. I do not yet qualify for short term disability, therefore the majority of the time I will need to take off for surgery, recovery, treatments, doctor appointments and healing will be unpaid. Also I provide the medical benefits for my family so will have to cover the medical insurance premiums (about $578 per month).

I feel very thankful that my directors and co-workers have been very supportive and have informed me they will hold my position and work around my schedule. One of my co-workers suggested I start a go-fund-me page to help me with the loss of income. It is not usually my  nature to ask for donations but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask. Your donation will help me and my family by sustaining us during this time with paying bills, medical premiums, medical costs, mortgage payments, utility payments, etc. The funds that are donated will take the pressure off of me and allow me to rest, recover and get the care that I need too beat this disease once again. So if you would like to help please consider making a donation- any amount would be helpful. Thank you so very much and God Bless you!