Erika's Cancer Fight

“You have a brain tumor”. While we have known since Erika was diagnosed with Li-Fraumeni syndrome that some iteration of this news would eventually befall our ears, it did not lessen the shock as we sat together as family and friends processing the news. Within a week, Erika had met with her surgeon who had devised a surgical plan to resect the tumor. On May 19th, one day before her 34th birthday, Erika underwent a total resection of the tumor with clear margins and no complications. While we had discussed all possible outcomes of the pending pathology report, nothing could prepare us for the eventual answer to our question: glioblastoma. It is a malignant brain cancer, typically relegated to those in their 7th and 8th decade of life. Whatever fears may have crossed her mind in those moments she did not show, her faith and her love for the family she had created superseding the fears and heartbreak that most of us would fall victim to, despondent to news no one is ever ready to receive.

Throughout this process, her resilience has continued to be a reflection of the woman she is and the faith that carries her. All of which led her to MD Anderson where she is currently undergoing treatment to fight a cancer that has never been met with an opponent as determined and indomitable as Erika Holland. And while there is no cure, we believe that Erika is a resounding example that life is measured in something much more complex than simply time. It is measured in moments, in purpose, in faith, in love, and most importantly, it is measured in memories. Memories that carry us and those closest to us far longer than any measurement of time attempts to define or restrict. For Erika, life is defined by the memories made with her husband and two boys. It is for those memories that we have started this go fund me. Both to help with medical/travel expenses she will incur, as well as providing them the financial means to enjoy new experiences together as a family. It is these memories that will carry her, carry them, carry us… far past any arbitrary time God’s plan relegates. Her life may be altered by this fight, but it will not be defined by it. Her life will be defined by the memories that supersede this, the memories we are asking you to help be a part of today.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. Isaiah 41:10

She is stronger than cancer. She is #Erikastrong.