Letter from the Founder
Hello Friends!
My name is Ashley Becker, and I am driven by a passion to make a difference in the lives others. Like many of you, I have faced challenges, heartaches, and moments of doubt. But through it all, I’ve discovered an unwavering perseverance and optimism within me. It’s these qualities that have encouraged me to rise above adversity and to help others in need.
In 2013, while I was still pursuing my dreams as a Division I track and field athlete at Colorado State University, my world was rocked by the loss of my beloved little sister, Erica Johnson, shortly after her lupus diagnosis. In the depths of my grief, I felt lost and powerless. Yet, amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope emerged—a calling to turn my pain into purpose. And so, E.R.I.C.A. was born: Enhancing, Research, and Improvising Constant Awareness.
By the grace of Jehovah, guided by faith and the support of my community and loved ones, I embarked on a journey to create something meaningful out of tragedy. Thus, the E.R.I.C.A. Lupus Patient Assistance Fund sponsored through The UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation (formerly The PVH and MCR Foundation), came to be. With the generous contributions of individuals and organizations, including Colorado State University and Fort Collins communities, the fund has flourished, providing vital support to hundreds of patients with lupus under the UCHealth umbrella.
The E.R.I.C.A. Lupus Patient Assistance Fund aims to help families like mine navigate the challenges of lupus with strength and resilience. But our work doesn’t stop there. I am dedicated to expanding our current patient assistance efforts by establishing a scholarship fund in the future, which will provide additional opportunities for patients with lupus and their families to pursue higher education. 100% of the proceeds raised at E.R.I.C.A. Lupus Awareness events, and donations made online throughout the year, are used to support patients with lupus and their families. You can learn more about the use of the E.R.I.C.A. Lupus Patient Assistance Fund and how to donate by clicking “Giving” on the website menu.
I invite you to join us in our cause. Explore our website to learn more about the impact of the E.R.I.C.A. Lupus Patient Assistance Fund and discover how you can contribute. Together, we can raise lupus awareness, ignite hope, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by this complex disease.
Remember, you are not alone, and you do not fight alone. Stay connected with us by signing up for our email newsletter (we promise not to flood your inbox!) and please share our information with your friends, loved ones and followers on social media platforms.
That’s all I got! Thank you for your support and for being a part of our community.
Live happy, and be blessed my friends!
Sincerely,
Ashley Becker
Founder of the E.R.I.C.A. Lupus Patient Assistance Fund
My Why
On October 25th, 2013, my family and I had to endure one of the hardest trials we may ever face in our lifetime. We had to sit back and watch medical professionals aggressively treat the side effects of this baffling disease, called lupus, which would ultimately put an end to the time my little sister, Erica Johnson, would have to bless us all with here on earth. Since that day, I have vowed to shine a light out from the vast darkness of my broken heart and made it a goal to draw awareness to one of the most commonly misdiagnosed diseases in the world. Along with my goal of creating more awareness, I hope to encourage, support, and help the family members, friends, co-workers, etc. of patients with lupus to find strength and healing when supporting their loved ones through the devastating effects of lupus.