Age: 12 ½ | Toronto, Ontario
In the News:
Hobbies and Interests: Gymnastics (provincial level)
Type of cancer that has affected me or my family: Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
Number of years on treatment: Began treatment in October 2008
My toughest challenge with childhood cancer: Modified amputation and not seeing friends often Describe some great things that have come about through your journey of childhood cancer: “Erica’s Wish” was created – a walk/running event to raise awareness/research dollars for osteosarcoma. Meeting cancer patients in the hospital. Outpour of support and well wishes from family, friends and community.
Describe your Best Day Christmas Day 2008 with my family: In the morning we opened gifts with my family, attended church and had a family feast. It was fun to see my cousin. In the evening we were admitted to SickKids for chemo because a bed became available. We were waiting several days for a bed to become available - what a great day! Tell us about your Worst Day: September 11, 2008 when Erica broke her leg. This led to the diagnosis of cancer and her journey with cancer began. Her treatment includes chemotherapy, a modified amputation and more chemotherapy along with rehabilitation.
Tell us what Coast to Coast Against Cancer means to me: Coast to Coast Against Cancer means raising awareness and education about childhood cancer. Cancer doesn’t discriminate against age! Cancer can affect children of all ages, from newborns to adulthood. Cancer affects the entire family, from the cancer survivor and their parents, friends, and families as they watch them through many challenges and triumphs.
Tell us what your message is to our riders, volunteers, sponsors and all Canadians: It was an ordinary day September 11, 2008. Summer had ended and the school year had just begun. Erica was at gymnastics club doing what she loved best – gymnastics. Erica was running toward the vault and heard a pop and a snap. She was brought to the local emergency department where an xray revealed an unusual fracture of her right femur. She was transferred to SickKids where more tests and a biopsy took place. Our worst nightmare possible was confirmed – Erica was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. Her chemotherapy began quickly and she completed three months followed by a modified amputation in January. Her chemotherapy will continue until August 2009. In April Erica was fitted with a prosthetic leg and has extensive rehabilitation ahead of her. With Erica’s positive attitude, courage, strength and determination anything is possible. Erica will beat her cancer and walk with pride. With support and awareness together we can raise research dollars to help find cures for childhood cancers. As Erica Scarff said very well in December 2008: “You cannot change the past, you can only shape the future..”
