Erik Ludwinski
Erik Ludwinski
23 years old
Stage IV neuroblastoma, relapse
Park Rapids, MN, United States
http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/erikludwinski
Our Story
We thought our son Erik was cured of this horrible disease after 13 years of remission. During 1991-1992 treatment for high-risk stage IV disease at 6-7 years old, he endured 136 days in the hospital, 70 days in the clinic, 9 rounds of intensive chemo, 5 surgeries, a mind-boggling array of tests, 16 doses of radiation, 37 blood transfusions, and a bone marrow transplant, and another hospitalization for post-transplant complications.
We were so thankful for good health during the next 13 years with no additional treatment. He grew strong physically, (6'2" and 175 lbs!) and excelled in school in spite of his hearing loss from treatment. But he relapsed with widespread disease in his bones and bone marrow at the age of 20 at the end of his sophomore year in college. He was majoring in computer engineering.
He has spent another eight months in intensive treatment, undergoing six rounds of chemo and another stem cell transplant which includes experimental total marrow irradiation.
Unfortunately, after a brief remission, he relapsed again. The fight goes on. There is no known cure. We need answers and effective treatments for this cancer--responsible for the most deaths of preschoolers from disease, and the most common cancer in infants. There are many questions unanswered--why does this disease reappear after as long as 13 years? Your donation to fund much-needed research will provide answers, and will make the difference for many children in the future, all filled with dreams like Erik.
Thank you
Dear Donors,
Thank you for caring! Many people are understandably uncomfortable with facing a child with cancer. I was myself, before my own child was diagnosed. Since then I have been touched, humbled, and inspired by those who care enough to give to help us find a cure. Instead of turning away from these precious suffering children, you have chosen to care and to give! I cannot thank you enough.