Erik's Way was founded in memory of an incredible man, Erik, who touched the lives of so many as a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a man of unmatched character—funny, hardworking, and always there for his family and community. An exceptional athlete and a proud San Pedro resident, Erik's life was defined by his devotion to those he loved and his unwavering positivity, even in the face of life's toughest challenges.

 

In 2017, at the age of 41, Erik was diagnosed with undifferentiated sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. His diagnosis came as a sudden shock, not just to him, but to his wife, Ronniee-Marie, and their two children, Luke and Madison. What followed was a long, grueling battle filled with surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical trials. Throughout this painful journey, Erik remained the same person he had always been—strong, patient, and deeply committed to his family. He smiled for his children even on the hardest days, showing them the power of resilience and hope.

 

But for those who love someone facing cancer, the journey is never just about the person who is sick—it affects the entire family. For Ronniee-Marie and the kids, it meant countless days at the hospital, long stretches away from home, and navigating life without the support of the one they loved. It meant missing out on sporting events and school functions, and living with the heavy weight of fear, confusion, and isolation.

 

That’s when Erik's Way was born—out of the need for support, understanding, and connection in times of unimaginable hardship. During their journey, Ronniee-Marie and Erik’s family were introduced to Walk With Sally, a program that became a lifeline. Walk With Sally offered the kind of support they didn’t even know they needed—giving them a sense of community and resources to help cope with the emotional, practical, and mental challenges of living through cancer. Through that program, they found strength, hope, and a shared understanding with other families walking similar paths.

 

After Erik's passing on March 29, 2019, Ronniee-Marie made it her mission to carry forward the lessons of love, resilience, and togetherness that Erik had exemplified. Erik's Way was created to honor Erik’s memory and to provide the same kind of support to other families that Walk With Sally had provided to hers.

 

At Erik's Way, we believe that no one should face cancer alone. Whether you're a caregiver, a child watching a loved one fight, or the warrior battling the disease yourself, we are here to help you find strength in each other. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can make the journey more bearable.

 

Our mission is simple: to offer hope, support, and love to families walking the difficult path of cancer, just as Erik did with such grace and strength. In doing so, we hope to help others make memories that will last a lifetime, just as Erik’s memory will continue to inspire us all.