Erin has given me permission to share this heartbreaking news.
If you’re friends with Erin, you know that last year she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive and merciless disease. Since then, Erin has undergone multiple surgeries, including a mastectomy, and has endured many rounds of chemotherapy. As a result of her illness, treatments and the countless drugs she has taken in an effort to beat cancer, Erin has constantly dealt with infections and complications, including the loss of her vision, hair and appetite. On Saturday, she was taken once again to the emergency room, then admitted to Eisenhower Hospital in Palm Springs.
When I was visiting with Erin there last night, her oncologist came in and shared very bad and urgent news with us about the results of her last biopsy, her condition and her chances of recovery and survival. In addition, recently, her roommate, whose rent covers half of Erin’s mortgage, informed her that he had lost his job and may have to move out. This news is even more devastating for Erin because, while she has been receiving care in hospitals and at her mother’s house, her roommate has been taking care of Erin’s four rescued cats, who have been her adored and loyal companions for many years.
When I first learned of Erin’s diagnosis last year, I asked her several times to let me set up a fundraiser to help with her growing medical expenses and she declined. Since getting the news from her oncologist and learning that she may lose the income she needs to cover her mortgage, Erin has finally given me permission to set up a fundraiser for her. The funds raised will be deposited directly into Erin’s checking account and will be used to cover her medical bills, mortgage and a cat-sitter while we carefully search for new furever homes for her four beloved cats.
If you don’t know Erin, please let me share with you that she is a true adventuress. She has acted in countless plays including, most recently, as Nurse Ratched in Palm Canyon Theatre’s amazing production of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. Erin is also what I call a “real deal” animal rescuer. She has fostered and bottle fed countless abandoned kittens in her home and at The Kitten Rescue Sanctuary in Los Angeles. Erin is an avid hiker and is a deep sea diver. Her condo is decorated with amazing poster size images she took of massive sharks she fearlessly encountered while exploring the ocean’s depths. Erin also donates her time to seniors in need. Anytime we walked around her complex, I was amazed by all the seniors hurrying out of their units to greet Erin and thank her for her help.
In short, Erin is someone who lives her life to the fullest while, at the same time, has done everything she can to help others in need. I ask of you now that you please help return Erin’s wonderful karma by donating whatever you can to help reduce her stress as she enters the most difficult moment in her beautiful life. I will be sharing the progress of the fundraiser with Erin, as I know it will give her a big lift and offer her peace of mind. Thank you so much for your care and compassion for this wonderful person who was so graciously gifted to our planet.
Sammy
