Let me take a moment to introduce you to Erin's beautiful family:
Julian - age 8 months
Lyla - 3 years old
Love of Erin's life - husband Greg
Erin and her family live in Portland, Oregon. Last year, my life-long friend, Peg, and her husband were compelled to sell their home here on the central coast of California and move to Portland to be near Erin and her family and their other daughter who also lives in the Portland area. Two new grand-children have arrived since Peg made the sojourn to Portland and she felt assured of the importance of her re-location to be closer to her children.
Two months ago, that certainty was confirmed even more strongly when Erin was diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma - liver cancer. The tumor in Erin's liver is inoperable and requires agressive treatment of both radiation and chemo. Unfortuantely, Erin and her family do not have medical insurance to cover her astronomical medical bills. A single dose of a needed injection of Neulasta, which takes 10 seconds to inject, costs $5,780.....that is absolutely mind-bogling to me!! I am blessed with excellent health insurance and haven't realized the extreme hardship a devastating illness like cancer can have on a family.
A church friend of Erin's has developed a web page for Erin. Read Erin's story here. Erin's site includes her story, photos, blog, message board and most importantly a way to help her. Anonymous donations can be made here to assist Erin and her family with the growing hospital and treatment bills.
Financial donations are not the only support Erin needs right now. Prayers and supportive comments are heart felt and give Erin the courage and strength to just get through her day.
I have decided that my way of helping right now is by sharing Erin's story with you, hoping to move your heart to reach out to a stranger in some way. Compassion for another is magic. Perhaps you are a cancer survivor yourself and can share with her your success, your struggles, your insights. Whatever you feel moved to do will be most appreciated.
I am also listing new items in my Etsy store today. The proceeds of sales will be donated to Erin. I am going to leave these items in my shop for only two weeks.
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I realize that it has been several weeks since I have posted....forgive me....I neglected to let you know that I was out of town for almost 2 weeks on vacation in the Pacific Northwest visiting my son, going to Artfest and spending time with my beloved sister. I'll post all about it next week. I really felt compelled to share Erin's story first.
Tootles
Diana
8 comments:
I cannot even imagine what she and her family are going through right now. I'm off to check out the website and see how I can help in my own small way. Thank you for sharing Erin's story with us.
How awful. I'm going to check out the website. My thoughts have been with you these past weeks and have wondered how you are.
Diana, surely the cancer society can help... there has to be someone to help with the medical bills.
Wendy
Diana, I would love to be of some help and I will be in touch with you soon. Perhaps I could donate something of mine to put on your etsy and you can send the proceeds along with yours. Hugs, Stephani
I will be praying for her and her beautiful family. I will post your blog post in my FB pages and I will do what I can to help. I can also give one of my pieces of jewelry.
Diana, I used to work for the company that makes neulasta It is Amgen in Thousand Oaks California. They used to have a compassionate drug program, where she might be able to call and see if they will give her drug. Karen
My prayers will include Erin and her family, Diana...very sad indeed.
God bless you for all your help.
I am deeply sadden by this, we send billions of dollars for aide all over the world and we have so many in need here at home. I love to look at your blog for inspiration and creativity and today you inspire my soul~My prayers will include beautiful Erin and her family and I will check out her webite and do what I can..
Blessing
Kat
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