I am so thrilled about all of the love and support I've been getting from friends and family. Last night, Jenn and I went to The Elite on Capital Hill, Seattle. It's a small bar with a big heart. Ken and Rafael, along with Kay helped set up two weekends of fundraising efforts for me and I couldn't be more thankful. This has been the first time since I've gotten sick that I feel like we're able to do something about my illness. Special thanks to John who has been so kind as to door-bell and spread the word.
I've contacted the XCell-Center and have sent them more medical info so they can review my case. Hopfully soon we will be talking about scheduling the treatment.
I've been feeling a little more fatigued these past few weeks. It's been more difficult to walk more than a block or two without becoming a little winded. And now flights of stairs pose a bit of a challenge aswell. That being said, I am really feeling good mentally lately, the efforts everyone has put forth have really been a boost to morale. Thank you all so much!
This is a new blog and I will keep it updated with all of the latest news about my condition, fundraising, and treatment info. I'll also make a few 'catch-up' posts to fill in all of the things that have been happening lately.
Tell your friends!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Erik's Story
Erik has always loved being on the water, and after graduating with honors from Seattle Maritime Academy in 2003, he began a career at sea. By 2007, Erik had saved enough money to buy his first house in his home town of Bellingham, WA. That summer, Erik met the girl of his dreams, Jenn Johansen, who was finishing a degree at WWU. The two spent the summer together sailing, having fun, and falling in love. Erik’s life was picture-perfect.
That summer tragedy also struck; Erik was diagnosed with heart failure. No one could have expected the horrible news. He had developed severe dilated cardiomyopathy that has no known cause, and continues to worsen.
Before he faces a heart transplant, Erik’s friends and family are raising funds for him to undergo a new cardiac therapy not yet available in the U.S. The treatment aims to stabilize and improve Erik’s heart by introducing cells collected from his bone marrow into the damaged tissue of his heart. These cells have the potential to generate new heart muscle, allowing Erik to live a longer and healthier life.With your help, this treatment could give Erik & Jenn new hope. Thank you!
That summer tragedy also struck; Erik was diagnosed with heart failure. No one could have expected the horrible news. He had developed severe dilated cardiomyopathy that has no known cause, and continues to worsen.
Before he faces a heart transplant, Erik’s friends and family are raising funds for him to undergo a new cardiac therapy not yet available in the U.S. The treatment aims to stabilize and improve Erik’s heart by introducing cells collected from his bone marrow into the damaged tissue of his heart. These cells have the potential to generate new heart muscle, allowing Erik to live a longer and healthier life.With your help, this treatment could give Erik & Jenn new hope. Thank you!
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