Erin Dale’s Battle to Beat Cancer
Susan (Holman) Lundgren has been one of my closest friends since I was 11 years old. Anyone who meets Susan immediately falls in love with her and is touched by her kindness, strength, warmth, sincerity, and incredible patience. Susan is the amazing mother to four wonderful kids (Caden-12, Erin-11, Ellie-5, and Lily-4). Truly, I have never met a more loving and patient mother in my life!
In August 2019, the unthinkable happened; Susan’s (then) 10 year-old daughter, Erin, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Erin is beautiful, caring, sensitive, and a fantastic big sister. She is also fierce, spicy, and strong. Erin fought her cancer with such courage, enduring nearly a year of chemo and radiation, constant blood draws, transfusions, medication, several hospital stays, and precious time away from school and her friends.
My heart is heavy to report that the battle for Erin (now 11 years old) continues. After some concerning physical symptoms and just a few months after being deemed cancer-free, Erin’s oncological team determined that she now has Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), commonly referred to as pre-leukemia. Developing MDS such a short time after completing cancer treatment is extremely rare (Phoenix Children’s Hospital treats two to three cases a year) and concerning, so Erin now needs a bone marrow transplant as soon as possible. She is in a race against time so the MDS does not turn into leukemia.
Erin was thankfully matched with a random bone marrow donor since none of her family members were a match. At the beginning of November, Erin will begin an approximately six to eight week stint at Phoenix Children’s Hospital to start the transplant process. She will be in a negative pressure room in total isolation from her friends, siblings, family, and will only be able to see one parent at a time. Erin will have a broviac and feeding tube surgically placed, which will remain with her for many months post-transplant. My dear friend, Susan, will have to remain physically isolated from her other children, family, friends and job, as well, to keep Erin as safe and healthy as possible. After the transplant process is completed, Erin will have multiple appointments every week and be in isolation as her immune system builds up. It could be a year before Erin (and her family’s lives) experiences some semblance of normalcy.
This battle will require another leave of absence from Susan’s job, in addition to the countless extra expenses of Susan acquiring additional housing to isolate herself for six to eight weeks, not to mention the care of her other three children while Susan is caring for Erin. The loss of income, daily drives to and from the hospital, services that are not covered by insurance and the day-to-day maintenance of a family of six will undoubtedly be physically, emotionally, and financially draining on this amazing family.
If you are able to donate anything, I can promise you that it will make a significant difference to Susan, Erin, and their family; no amount is too small. Another way you can help is by sharing this post with your friends and family. All of your prayers and positive vibes for good health, peace, and strength for Erin are greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
