Erica Beauchamp

Erica and her husband Pierre

My hero is Erica Beauchamp, a very close family friend. Erica was born in Longmeadow, Massachusetts on August 22, 1965. Her family consists of her mother, father, three brothers, her husband Pierre and her three wonderful children Danielle, Nicholas, and Chase. I chose my Aunty Erica as my hero because she is the bravest women I have ever met. Aunty Erica was diagnosed with cancer in September 1998, but she was always smiling and joyful. Also she didn’t let her cancer take over her life without a long hard fight. Erica was dedicated to being a daughter, aunt, mother, and friend. She was positive even when she was in pain, also determined to make her family’s life as amazing as possible.

Erica was a HUGE inspiration in my life because she taught me that if you believe and fight for yourself it will pay off in the long run. You need to trust your instincts, be bold while you can and live life to the fullest because it might be a short ride. Erica faced many challenges through September 1998 through to January 8, 2006. I say this because she was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma cancer, a very rare cancer. This cancer starts by s tumor in the head or neck area. Because of the diagnosis, over the years, Erica had her right eye removed along with the top half of her jaw, to extract some of the cancer cells that had traveled down her face.

Erica has inspired not just me but families, communities, and people that don’t even know her! She was such an inspiration to so many people by her caring ways, brave actions, and her boldness when she was at her weakest. Because of her all these people donate to Erica’s Walk Foundation that her family created to give back the doctors that help find cures for adenoid cystic carcinoma cancer. Erica contributed to her society too. She had volunteered in the Wilbraham School System, and she was very involved with St. Cecilia’s church.

Sadly, Erica’s battle ended on January 8, 2006. She has been missed so much and always will be. She is a one of a kind person and wouldn’t want us to be sad about her being gone, even though it’s impossible not to miss her. Even if you’re not as close to Erica as I was you can probably tell that she had supported everything she did and had a huge heart!

Sources:

“Erica’s Friends walk to cure for the third year.” www.thereminder.com Constant Contact. 18 October 2010. October 18, 2010 http://www.thereminder.com/localnews/wilbrahamhampden/ericasfriendswalkt/

“Erica’s Friends ready to throw a party to remember and support.” www.thereminder.com Constant Contact. 18 October 2010. October 18, 2010 http://www.thereminder.com/localnews/wilbrahamhampden/ericasfriendsready/