Help Erika on her second journey with cancer

Hi, my name is Cheryl and I am hosting this fundraiser. If you live in the Tricities and have had braces, you may know me from Dr. Taylor and Shamloo’s office.

Erika has been the receptionist at the office for many years, so you’ll likely recognize her too.

Sadly, in October of this year, Erika was diagnosed with colon cancer. Even worse, this is her second battle with it. She has beaten it once before, but this caused a huge financial strain, loss of income and depleted her savings. At that time, she was off work just under a year getting treatment.

In the dental world, you often do not have extended health benefits or disability. This is the case for Erika. She now finds herself in the same position as she embarks her treatment journey for her second battle with cancer.

Erika is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. She is the live-in caregiver to her elderly parents. Now, she needs help being cared for. Erika is on her own. While her brother, Peter, does what he can, he has a family to take care of as well.

Erika is currently admitted to Abbotsford Memorial Hospital. She had just started chemotherapy, but it had to be stopped as the pain and vomiting were too intense and has to be managed.

She will be undergoing further testing to determine whether the cancer has spread and the stage (however, she really doesn’t want to know the stage out of fear). She will be getting her chemo port placed hopefully soon.

Erika is currently receiving medical EI, but this will end long before her treatment is completed. Without extended health, there is no coverage for all the medications needed.

We want to help Erika by taking away any additional stress that we can so she can focus on beating cancer for a second time.

Funds raised will be used to assist in the cost of medication, transportation to and from appointments, a nurse if necessary, meals, and peace of mind to help cover loss of income.

The holidays can be a struggle for most. We want to help give a little comfort and joy to Erika, who does so much for others.

Thank you all for reading and for your support.