The Inspiration for Erik's Way
Erik was a wonderful man - husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many. He was an exceptional athlete, funny and a hard worker. His two children, Luke and Madison, looked up to him and learned to love sports as much as he did. His wife, Ronniee-Marie, had never met someone who was so patient and giving. A lifelong resident of San Pedro, a Mary Star Alumni and a Longshoreman, Erik simply was an amazing person.
In 2017, at the age of 41, Erik was diagnosed with undifferentiated sarcoma in his right thigh. Erik, his wife and children were suddenly in a battle in which they had no idea what to do or what to expect. He had surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and participated in a clinical trial all in hopes of beating cancer. Through it all, Erik remained positive and always wore a smile for his kids. Sadly, his fight ended on March 29, 2019.
Cancer became something Erik and I learned about and had to adjust our lives to. We would spend days and weeks at the hospital, away from our children who at the time were only 9 and 11. We relied on those around us to help maintain what was "normal" for our kids, even though that meant Erik and I didn't get to go to the sporting events or the school functions. The feelings of being overwhelmed, alone, and confused were felt by all of us. But, one day we were informed about a program, Walk With Sally, for families like us.
Because of Walk With Sally, I was able to cope and manage all that life threw at me. Because of Walk With Sally, we are here today to honor Erik's life and be that beacon of hope and support for other families who are experiencing the trauma of cancer.
Love and light to all who are experiencing cancer as the caregiver, a child seeing a parent or family member going through it, or as the cancer warrior themselves. As individuals you can handle what is thrown at you, but you are even stronger together.
Ronniee-Marie
Who We Are
Dealing with the challenges that cancer brings to a family’s life can be overwhelming. Erik’s Way emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the cancer community in the South Bay. Established in 2020, we are a charity that works in collaboration with other non-profit organizations in order to provide additional support to children and families affected by the trauma of cancer. Each of our programs are aimed at helping families make memories during this time.
Making Memories Through Our Programs
Annual Programs offered by Erik's Way
Shop for Mom and Pop
*Event held end of April / First Week of May
*Donations collected year round
We invite children and families to create memories around gift-giving for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Additionally, we provide books, snacks, and face-painting for the kids that come and a relaxing space with light refreshments and reading materials for the parents while the kids “shop”. We encourage the families that are able to join us, to enjoy the space and make it a day in which everyone is pampered. As always, we know that not all families are able to make it out to an event for a variety of reasons. We do offer an opportunity for them to “order” gifts and we will deliver.
Holiday Drive
*Kits delivered the second week of December
*Donations collected the week of Thanksgiving through the second week of December
One of our most popular programs, we deliver gingerbread houses and holiday cookie kits to families and other organizations that support those affected by cancer. This ensures that families are given an opportunity to create lasting memories around a fun activity.
Thank you to all of our partnerhips!
We are so happy you’re interested in getting involved with our work here at Erik’s Way. There are so many ways for you to help, and we truly appreciate each and every effort. By lending your support, you’ll become a valuable part of our charity and help to strengthen our programs for all the families that we work with.
Contact Erik’s Way
Help Erik's Way reach our yearly goals
2023
January - December