Support Erik Dillard's Road to Recovery

We have all witnessed the magical work of Erik Dillard, also known as the “world’s Aunty, Imani Vanzap” on TikTok and Instagram. Through Imani, Erik has put out joy, love and positivity into the world, helping brighten the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Erik and I have grown to be close friends over the last several years. We have created content together as social media influencers. I even had this fantastic human as the Emcee for my Book Tour launch party in New York City. They were beyond vibrant and had glowing reviews for weeks that followed.

It is our time to return this love to Erik.

A few weeks ago Erik went to bed perfectly fine. However, when he woke up, life was not the same. He was unable to communicate, and had severely impaired motor skills. Erik was admitted to New York Presbyterian Hospital in Brooklyn at the beginning of July. He has undergone MRI’s, numerous tests, and two spinal taps. As of right now, the diagnosis is most likely a parasite or bacterial infection that has affected the brainstem. This can cause stroke-like systems, actual strokes, cysts in the brain, and severe cognitive and motor skill malfunctions.

Erik’s full-time job is being a content creator/influencer. He uses his voice to bring laughter, love, positivity, encouragement to his followers. He also sheds light on darker issues in the world. His work has been, and always will be priceless.

This is where this fundraiser comes into play. As we all know, the doctors, nurses, and caregivers are fantastic at their jobs. However, the US healthcare system at large falls short in many ways. While Erik does have health insurance, he will still be responsible for the vast majority of the medical bills from his long inpatient stay in the hospital, testing, treatment, medications, and rehabilitation amongst other expenses. Erik has a long road of recovery ahead of him. Therefore, he will be out of work for the foreseeable future.

We are raising money to help with all the medical bills, everyday life expenses like rent, electric, and phone bills, travel to and from doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, and any other unexpected expenses down the road. This money will also get him relocated back to Ohio with his family, and will help relieve them from financial stress and worry.

The amount we are trying to raise of $50,000 for Erik will admittedly not be nearly enough. We are aiming to raise at least double the listed amount. Any amount that you can donate is greatly appreciated and truly needed. Erik’s family and I also encourage you all to please donate and share this fundraiser with everyone you know.

Thank you Erik and Erik’s family for trusting me to create this fundraiser on Erik’s behalf.

May God be with you all, with Erik’s family and most importantly, with Erik and their full recovery.

We love you Erik.

Love,

Bruce