Fund-raiser launched for Cambridge trainer Dan Erickson

A givealittle page has been set up for Morrinsville-based trainer Dan Erickson as he battles a rare form of cancer.

He has been diagnosed with chordoma, a type of bone tumour resistant to chemo and radiation therapies. 

The medical advice he's received is that it is too risky to operate. Instead it has been recommended he has proton therapy, a cancer treatment that targets tumours with charged particles (protons) rather than traditional X-rays (photons).

London is the only available location, with a final decision on the dates for the trip expected soon.  

The decision lies with Health New Zealand. It is assessing his case under its "high cost treatment pool" which is for high cost treatment or procedures that are not otherwise provided in this country.  

"Dan would get the treatment five days a week for seven weeks," says business partner Dr Anita McGrath, who set up the givealittle page.

"It's expected to be a one-trip wonder all going going well as it specifically targets the tumour and kills it."

They are relying on the Government to pay for flights, accommodation and treatment.

But Erickson and McGrath, who will be his support person, need help with living, travel and other expenses while in England.

At the moment the givealittle total is over $10,000.    

"Dan has helped many people and their horses over more than 40 years and this is their opportunity to give back," says Dr Anita.

A hobby trainer with four wins (three by Turbulent Flow in 2017), Erickson is an equine manipulator by profession.

He has had a number of horse-related injuries over the years. In the latest he was double barreled in the face last year, requiring multiple surgeries.

As part of his recovery he uses a hyperbaric O2 chamber to manage the concussion. It is hoped that some of the money raised now will go to continuing that treatment in London.

To see the givealittle page click here

(Photo courtesy of Christine Jeffs)