A little more than a month ago, Erin Dash (formerly Sharkey) was experiencing severe abdominal pain along with fever symptoms.
The 39-year-old former Manahawkin resident, now living in Florida, went to get checked out in an emergency room, and bloodwork and other tests revealed a grim diagnosis: stage four uterine and colon cancer with metastases to the liver.
Her sisters Kaitlyn DeBarth and Kristen Sharkey started a GoFundMe page to raise $100,000 for a 12-week treatment program. Late last week, they were three-quarters of the way to that goal.
“In an instant, her life changed,” they wrote on the GoFundMe page. “But if there is one thing her family knows about Erin, it is this: never underestimate a woman who has fought for everything she has. Erin is a devoted wife to Samran Dash and mother to her two daughters, Amaya and Emily, a self-made entrepreneur, a hard worker, and someone with an incredibly big heart. Nothing in Erin’s life has been handed to her. She has built her life through sacrifice, perseverance, faith, and determination. She is a winner. She is a fighter. And her story is not finished. Right now, Erin’s family is asking for support so she can access the care she needs and keep fighting.”
They said her program involves a whole-body approach that works alongside chemotherapy.
“This program includes testing to help determine which chemotherapy Erin may respond to best, immune-support supplements, work with a dietitian, a specific diet plan, and Monday-through-Friday treatment sessions,” they said. “The goal is not only to attack the cancer cells, but also to support Erin’s whole body through treatment so she can focus on healing.”
“We are so thankful for this community for jumping in and helping her during this time of great need,” said Kristen Sharkey. “The messages and the love have given her and the family so much hope. There is so much power in God, love, prayer and community. Our hearts are full of gratitude for every dollar, share, message, etc. She will win.”
A board-certified behavioral analyst, Dash and her aunt, Sue Sharkey, are the founders of Compassion Café, a seasonal Beach Haven eatery that offers employment for people with special needs.
To contribute to the GoFundMe, visit gofundme.com/f/her-fight-our-faith-for-erin.
Also, the Old Causeway Steak and Oyster House in Manahawkin is hosting a fundraiser on Monday, Nov. 16. The restaurant will donate 10% of the proceeds from dinners bought between 5 and 10 p.m. Through November, Beach Haven Coffee Roasters in Beach Haven is donating $1 per November special menu item sold.
