Support Erica Through Urgent Medical Needs

January 23rd Fundraising Event: The Witch, the Vine, and the Wine: A Wine Tasting

My name is Erica Christian. I am an innovative, creative, empathic, and community-centered curator. My work lies in creating inclusive anti-colonial narratives to better increase access to food and beverage through empowerment. I give expansive language to experiences that seem inaccessible. I connect with guests and audiences as a sommelier and bartender to advance their knowledge of wine, cocktails & food, as well as our right to exploration through our palates.

Though navigating severe chronic illnesses and disability, I believe that regardless of circumstances, people should have access to exploration, joy, pleasure, and pathways forward that allow them to thrive.

I have worked incredibly hard through the severe pain and extreme difficulties associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis, an inflammatory disease and autoimmune disorder, and Fibromyalgia, a chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder, to build a life that makes sense for me. Though my work has been fruitful, expansive, and extremely well-received, it has not been enough to support my current medical issues and the new issues I am developing.

I can no longer work through all of the difficulties I am having and now need to do a slew of testing to reach new diagnoses. I'll be getting checked for serious neurological, gynecological, and rheumatic-related symptoms over the next couple of months. I truly need financial support as I seek treatment plans and ways forward that allow me to thrive and not just survive.

Any support will help me cover extensive costs associated with testing, treatments/bodywork, physical therapy, transportation, basic needs, and any other assistance that will be required at this time. The road to wellness is long and requires that I show up fully if I want to get better long-term.

Anything helps and all support is greatly appreciated!