Skip to main content

Erica is
Blood Cancer United

Erica smiling widely and looking out of the corner of her eye

Erica was diagnosed with potentially fatal Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma on March 28, 2013. Her journey to survive her battle with cancer was very trying but after overcoming her obstacles, Erica is very passionate about inspiring people to have the desire to survive any challenges that they may face in their lives. Erica’s fight to survive lymphoma had its highs and its lows, however, she didn’t give up even when at times her battle seemed like it wasn’t getting any easier. Through her unwavering faith and trust in God as well as exuding a positive attitude, she knew she could get through it all. Erica is the Founder of “Dzire2Survive,” a cancer support and advocacy movement that helps improve the quality of life of patients and their families touched by lymphoma, by providing education and up-to-date information. Erica wants to inspire patients with peer-to-peer comfort to help them continue to fight and overcome their battle with blood cancers.

Erica is an ambassador with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society where she volunteers as a peer-to-peer supporter for their First Connection program and she has also raised funding and cancer awareness alongside her team, Dzire2Survive, at the LLS Light The Night Walk in Oct 2014-­2019. Erica and her phenomenal team have impacted so many lives at the Light the Night Walk with LLS. She shared her amazing, life-changing survival story in magazines and online outlets, such as the Sheen Magazine, Plus Model Magazine, HelloBeautiful, Houston Style Magazine, Healthline, Cancer Today Magazine, CURE Magazine, and a host of other special features including Lymphoma Research Foundation's "Lymphoma Awareness Campaign" videos (Erase Lymphoma, Impacting Lives­Youtube).

Today, Erica continues her journey as inspirational speaker, cancer advocate, founder of Dzire2Survive and in her growing modeling career in both runway and editorial fashion. In Erica’s spare time she loves to travel and most importantly, she loves to spend time with her family and close friends. Erica loves the Lord and through Him, she enjoys helping others affected by cancer by sharing her empowering story. Erica’s motto that she lives by and share with other survivors is, “Never give up and continue to survive with your beautiful smile… Dzire2Survive.”

Erica

Hodgkin lymphoma survivor

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Snapshot of Zachariah holding flowers, a cancer survivor

Zach

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person is seated in a medical treatment chair with an IV line connected to the arm. The individual is wearing a tie-dye sweatshirt and has a blue protective sheet draped over the lap. A patterned blanket covers part of the legs, and a white disposable cup is placed on a small tray nearby. In the background, there is medical equipment including an infusion pump with digital displays, tubing, and a yellow biohazard container. The setting appears to be a clinical or hospital environment.

Natalie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Rachel in hospital with head wrap holding "It's my last day of chemo" sign

Rachel

lymphoma

Woman with glasses looking into camera

Chrissy

B-cell follicular lymphoma (FL)

Copilot said: Family of four stands together on an outdoor deck overlooking a city skyline and water, wearing matching advocacy shirts including “Dear Jack Foundation” and “I wear purple for my dad,” highlighting awareness, support, and community connection in the blood cancer community.

Lyndsey

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Copilot said: Three people stand together at an indoor event in formal attire, including one wearing a “Candidate” sash, with colorful textile art in the background—highlighting community, advocacy, and connection within the blood cancer community.

Jenna

nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL)

Stephenie  holding a remission sign, HL survivor

Stephenie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Heriberto, Burkitt lymphoma (BL) patient, with wife on his wedding day

Heriberto

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

Outdoor event scene featuring a large illuminated inflatable sign that spells “FIGHT” in white letters with blue and pink lighting accents. The sign is placed on green grass under a large tree, with a few people seated behind it at a table. In the foreground, a person is wearing a teal shirt with a name tag and holding a white paper lantern. Decorative headbands with colorful tinsel are visible, and the background includes a palm tree, fencing, and a clear evening sky.

Keri

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Gianna, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient and advocate, pictured with other supporters

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person holds a lantern reading “Blood Cancer United Light The Night” during an outdoor awareness event, representing blood cancer awareness and community support.

Olivia

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Photo of a mature woman standing on a savannah feeding a giraffe out of her hand

Lisa

Lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.