Join Eric Sweet's Fight Against Melanoma

On Tuesday, May 5th, our dear and true friend, Eric Sweet, went to the emergency room suspecting he was suffering from COVID-19. What he would learn next turned the Sweet Family’s world completely upside down. Eric was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma, with tumors present in his brain, lungs, liver, and kidney. So far, he has endured two lifesaving surgeries to reduce the swelling caused by the aggressive tumors in his brain. He has begun radiation therapy to shrink the brain tumors and has also started immunotherapy, a new treatment for melanoma that will fight the cancer from the neck down. All of this has occurred in the space of just under three weeks, during an already incredibly difficult time for everyone.
 
In addition to this devastating diagnosis, is the enormous expense that comes with an extended hospital stay, treatment, and surgeries.  The financial stress caused by Eric’s unforeseen medical emergency has been quite daunting for the entire family.  Adding to that uncertainty is a new job for Eric that does not provide medical leave, while Jodi’s industry is also facing unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic. With that in mind, our goal is to aim high and raise funds to lessen the great financial impact they are facing. This will allow every ounce of their thought and energy to go solely toward Eric’s treatment and battle with cancer.
 
Originally from Logansport, Indiana, Eric met Jodi while attending the University of San Diego, where they were college sweethearts. Eric was the star quarterback and Jodi was the bubbly cheerleader on the sidelines! They married in 1988, and just celebrated 32 years of marriage in February. They have three beautiful, grown children — Kaelie, Logan, and Kyle. Both Logan & Kyle played college football, and, as a proud UCLA Bruin & WSU Coug dad, Eric never missed a game.   All three kids, who normally live in other cities, are currently home to support their father during his illness. Their presence at home during this time has been an enormous blessing and help to their parents.
 
Eric and Jodi are both very connected to, and proud of, the community in which they live and volunteer. Eric has coached countless kids through Pop Warner Titan and Mustang football, as well as RSM Little League baseball, even leading his 12u All Star team to the California State Championship! He has coached and volunteered at both St. Junipero Serra Catholic Grade School and Santa Margarita Catholic High School, simply because he loves being around and supporting local youth.  Jodi has been equally involved at both schools, and the hours that they have collectively donated so freely over the years are innumerable.
 
The Sweet Family is extremely grateful for, and humbled by, the support of friendship, meals and fervent prayer they are already receiving from friends and family alike.  This includes the support of Jodi’s extended family from Mater Dei High School, Santa Margarita Catholic High School, the United Spirit Association, Varsity Spirit Corporation, and through many years of friendship, her fellow cheer judging friends from all around the country.   We do not want the Sweets to withstand this financial burden alone, so we are reaching out on their behalf, with all money collected going directly to support Eric’s battle and sustain the family during this difficult time.  If you are able to help, your donation of any amount would be most appreciated and forever remembered.