Christmas Blessings for Erica Tapia

                                        Friendship and life are truly a blessing and never take it for granted…

2020 has been a heartbreaking year for many of us, with this ever-increasing COVID-19 Pandemic, and the loss of loved ones.  Erica Tapia is one of the strongest, caring, and most giving people I’ve ever known. Sadly, on Thursday July 9th; Erica was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive stage 3 breast cancer. (Stage 3, Triple Negative Breast Cancer)

This cancer is so extremely aggressive that her team of doctors wasted no time and started her on chemo right away, as well as requested that she immediately stop working.  I remember the phone call like it was yesterday, immediately after she left the doctor’s office. She was completely heartbroken after hearing that had been diagnosed with cancer and only allowed less than 2 weeks to get her personal affairs in order, so that she could begin chemo. Still, Erica remained diligent, and her faith in herself, and most importantly, God never wavered, and she has persevered during this entire process.

During Erica’s initial round of chemo treatments her body reacted well, but it was not until her second level of chemo sessions that it really took a toll on her body. On Thanksgiving Day, she was admitted into the hospital for 5 days because her body began breaking down as a result to this new round of chemo. It was so strong that it weakened her heart and destroyed all her white blood cells. Her Doctors requested that she be off chemo treatments for 2 weeks, so that her body could heal, and build up the strength it needed to continue therapy.

Last week was her first week back on chemo treatments and her doctors informed her, that the mass is so aggressive that it grew back in size, and at this point she no longer qualifies for surgery (at least not yet). Sadly, Erica still needs to complete two more intensive chemo sessions before she qualifies for surgery. Her doctors will review the results and schedule a date which consists of a Double Mastectomy and additional chemo and radiation, if needed.

Erica is a single mother and is raising her son 6-year-old son Isaac, while still undergoing treatment and fighting this deadly disease. She has been doing all that she can to stay on top of her personal finances, providing for her son, and paying her awfully expensive medical bills. Some of her copays are as high as $600.00 a piece!
Erica is not expected to return to work until August 2021. If you have ever depended on EDD to provide any income needs, you understand when I say payments are never on time and it is so easy to quickly fall behind, especially during this pandemic we are in.

I ask everyone reading this to pray for Erica, her son, and the rest of the Tapia Family, as they do their best to support and take care of her to the best of their abilities.  God, please place your healing hand on Erica, and give her body the strength she needs to finish out these two remaining chemo sessions and beat this cancer that has ravaged her body over the past several months. 
 
Tis the season for giving, if you can please find it in your heart to donate
(any amount) it is greatly appreciated.

I’d like to personally thank you on behalf of Erica for your blessings today, you are truly an Angel.
                                                                                             
                                                                                           Merry Christmas!


** Donations can also be sent via Vemno: Erica-Tapia-7