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.

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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. 

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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

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