Mother Fighter: A Supportive Roadmap to Living Beyond Cancer
$5,912
Raised
49
Donations
$15,000
Goal
My Story
Hi, my name is Erin. An advanced stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis was the last thing I expected to receive at 37-years-old. I was living the average life of a busy, overly committed mom-of-four and wife when crisis and illness ravaged my body, stole my identity and damaged or destroyed almost everything that gave my life meaning.
In November of 2019, I underwent surgery to remove a 2-inch tumor and six inches of my sigmoid colon, then a year of grueling chemotherapy and cancer treatment.
After wrangling with tremendous grief, fear and heartbreak I discovered that the best way to find meaning again would be through embracing whatever life I had left. This would require traveling to new depths with myself.
I had walked hard paths before and was intent on walking this one, too, while setting an example for others along the way. I set myself an aggressive goal. One bigger than "crushing cancer."
I was going to use this experience as an opportunity to get deeply present with my life, connected with my body, and engaged with the world. Even if I died I would have lived a truly meaningful life as the greatest version of myself, leaving a lasting legacy for my family, most especially in the eyes of my children.
Last July, shortly after my 11th round of chemotherapy and during my weakest state of health, I became the first cancer patient with coronavirus to be admitted to the ICU at Kaiser Permanente in Irvine, California. I was told it was a miracle that I survived. I have since slowly regained my strength and was recently pronounced cancer-free at the start of 2021.
The Birth of a Book
During my time in the hospital I made a promise that were I to somehow make it through this health crisis, I would one day tell my story and show how the most ordinary of people are capable of overcoming extraordinary hardship - even against the odds. I would write a book that others could use as a roadmap, offering motivation needed to tap into the strength and determination that exists inside of us all.
I also want you to know that you are not alone in the messy work of seeking meaning in your life and I want you to live yours wildly free and audaciously full of purpose.
Cancer, crisis, or not, this book is meant to help you listen to your inner voice that is saying: Today is the day to start living like you mean it.
I feel I have been given a second chance in life, and now that I have regained my health I consider this book my comeback story of survival, courage and discovery that could transform the lives of everyone who reads it. I hope it will show others facing adversity in their own life the inspiration needed to overcome it. I want you to know that you don't need to reach the light at the end of the tunnel when you can be the light in the midst of the darkness.
Mother Fighter is my unflinching, uncensored examination of the often harrowing, sometimes shocking, and dehumanizing twists and turns of life I experienced as a mother and wife living with advanced cancer. It covers my deeply moving exploration of the power of the human spirit and mindset needed to overcome catastrophic illness. It's about holding onto hope, love, and laughter; and how to focus on the many miracles found in everyday life during the most desperate of times.
I’m so grateful for any and all support you can provide to bring this passion project to the world to serve its intended purpose.
What Does The Book Cover?
From my hard-earned wisdom, this book is meant to help readers navigate a life crisis by sharing tips and resources to overcome disaster. It recounts actionable steps I took to live a better life as I divulge the devastating chaos in my own. Each chapter of Mother Fighter is told through my own personal experiences, struggles and triumphs; many of them include practical practices to put to work for you. Get the support you need to care for yourself—mind, body and spirit.
- PEEK BEHIND THE MYSTERIOUS CANCER CURTAIN: Allow for me to demystify the process of what really goes on following a cancer diagnosis. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, now what? Consider this your guide offering an insider's perspective. Cancer can feel like an incredibly lonely experience for many. It doesn't need to be. The one thing I wished I had was someone who could tell me exactly what to expect during treatment. Let me be that friend for you. I offer my best advice, helpful tips, and resources to ease common side effects. This book is a supportive roadmap that bridges conventional and complementary medicine to set patients up for the best chance of thriving.
- PARENTING WITH CANCER: The book offers a fearless appraisal of what it means to be uncertain about your future - all while juggling the intensity of family life. There is no convenient age to receive a cancer diagnosis, but young adults, parents in particular, have to juggle a unique set of circumstances. Life doesn't stop after your cancer diagnosis. Bills still need to be paid, kids need help with homework, errands need to be run, meals prepared; there are never-ending responsibilities that caring for a family entails. Learn how to best navigate the chaos of parenting while dealing with catastrophic illness and crisis.
- THE TOXIC TRUTH: Learn the seven things I wish I knew before cancer. Did you know that 1 out of 3 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime? That statistic is not only alarming, but infuriating. I went on a mission to learn everything I could about cancer following my diagnosis. I discovered that there are seven common practices most cancer survivors use to increase their odds of beating cancer. These best practices are the same tools that everyone can use in an effort toward prevention and what everyone needs to know for working toward improved health. We'll dive into what steps you can take today if you are sick, or just looking to protect yourself and those you love by learning habits of wellness.
- MENTAL: Mindset is your greatest medicine. Part of mental health is how well your mind processes and understands the information and experiences in your head. Your mind dictates the way you think, behave, and feel. Your thoughts are powerful and have a direct connection to your health. Discover how to improve mental wellness and work on your inherent self-worth, practice radical acceptance, and release the need to control your outcome. Learn to allow yourself to be vulnerable and live more mindfully.
- EMOTIONAL: Emotional behavior is concerned with the heart. Emotional health involves your ability to manage and express the emotions that arise within from what you have learned and experienced in your life. Learn to recognize the process of grief and how to cope with feelings often experienced following traumatic crisis. Emotional healing involves mastering heart-centered work, de-stressing, and learning to navigate your response to common triggers during times of turmoil so you can respond with grace and ease to best protect your health. Emotional behavior paves the way for wellness. Practice letting go of trauma, pain, and bitterness. We will take steps to help with recovering from life catastrophe while increasing positivity so you can tap into the most powerful version of your greatest self.
- PHYSICAL: Discover how to connect through healing movement, and learn how to advocate powerfully for your physical health. This book is a comprehensive guide for working toward achieving wellness of the body. Discover how to shop for non-toxic personal care products, what foods are considered part of the anti-cancer diet and learn how to not just feed, but actually nourish and fuel your body. We'll cover simple steps you can start today to help accomplish powerful results.
Who Is This Book For?
This is a book for anyone who wants to join in on living with purpose and intention. It’s particularly written for other young adults and especially for parents who have been through cancer or an otherwise life-altering crisis.
It is for those willing to embrace their worst experience as an opportunity for growth to become more resilient, break open to living fully and prepare for courageous living.
Whatever crisis you might be experiencing you will be able to relate to the universal challenges many of us face when dealing with life-altering changes that simultaneously can offer opportunity for positive life transformation.
How Mother Fighter Supports The Cancer Movement
Serving as a cancer advocate to inform, inspire, educate and raise awareness has been critical to me in rebuilding my life after cancer. Many people I have met through my cancer journey have inspired me, along with the many organizations dedicated to this cause that have touched my life. For that reason, I plan to use a portion of the profit earned from future book sales to give back to them and to serve others facing cancer.
I do this already through charitable donations made to some of my favorite cancer organizations. I also provide inspirational and uplifting gifts including happy feet socks, cancer care bags and other Mother Fighter cancer awareness apparel items directly to cancer patients. Your donations in supporting this project goes directly toward this charitable work and is used to give care bags to those fighting cancer.
Join me in this important movement and make a donation today!
I hope to use this book to create a movement and, based upon its success, hold grand visions for the future. I would like this book to spark a pivotal movement of people coming together to create positive change for good. I hope this book will allow me to contribute with greater impact to those I wish to serve.
How Far Along Is The Book?
A full manuscript is complete and currently undergoing the first round of developmental edits. The eBook will be launched on Amazon November 2, 2021 with the paperback version released November 16, 2021. My publisher has suggested a timeline of six months to produce the highest quality final version of this book and to dedicate ample time for marketing and publicity efforts prior to publication and launch.
The Publishing Process
I am thrilled to be working with a reputable publisher who specializes in supporting authors looking to build a movement with their message. I have personally identified a dream team of industry experts who have published successful non-fiction books within my genre.
The publisher I am working with provides a cross between traditional and self-publishing. They contribute incredible expertise in the content editing, copy editing, cover design, printing, distribution, book marketing and publicity while allowing me to maintain total creative control, the copyright over my work and 100% of the royalties; however, I am still responsible for covering many of my own costs.
My Mother Fighter Goals
My goal is to raise $20,000 to fund all aspects of the book editing, publishing, printing, distribution, marketing and publicity.
Budget Breakdown
- Editing, Publishing and Printing: $13,000
- Outreach and Marketing: $3,000
- Distribution: $1,000
- Kickstarter and Bank Fees: $2,000
- Kickstarter Video: $500
- Unexpected: $500
To further share around budget details: not every dollar raised in this project goes toward the cost of the book itself. There are credit card fees, postage, the expense of other rewards, and expenses associated with producing physical stretch goals.
The important message here is that the amount this campaign earns will cover all of the above. The funds will assure that this book starts its life on solid financial ground and that it will earn out its expenses sooner than if I didn't have a successful pre-publication project for this book.
The $20,000 covers just enough to break even. I set this number as an ideal goal because a) if I raise any less than that amount I won't receive any of the funds and b) you will not receive your reward. Anything over this amount is incredibly beneficial as it will cover added project expenses incurred and will allow me to accomplish far more than what the bare minimum needed would.
Here's What You'll Get for Your Pledge! More About The Rewards.
I've included a variety of pledge contribution levels accompanied by enticing rewards designed to get YOU in on all the action. Every reward was inspired by topics covered in the book.
They include informing and raising awareness, advocating for meaningful ways to serve cancer patients, creating delicious and nutritious meals to fuel your body - and more!
The main reward, of course, is your copy of Mother Fighter! You can pick it up here as a paperback or an e-book. Both formats are available as add-ons when you finalize your pledge to this project. If you live in a country other than the United States, a slight additional shipping fee will be included to ship the paperback book or any physical product reward.
Pledge $15 or more
EARLY ACCESS DIGITAL + EXCLUSIVE INSIDER
{EARLY ACCESS} You’ll receive an EARLY release first addition of the E-BOOK in both Kindle and ePub versions delivered in November.
+ You will also receive an ACKNOWLEDGEMENT on the book’s website!
*{EARLY ACCESS} This offer is ONLY available on this Kickstarter page for a limited time. Grab your EARLY ACCESS DIGITAL E-BOOK - today!
INCLUDES:- FIRST EDITION E-BOOK - MOTHER FIGHTER
Pledge $39 or more
EARLY ACCESS DIGITAL+PAPERBACK
{EARLY ACCESS 20% SAVINGS} + FREE U.S. SHIPPING (for international shipping, select country after backing).
*BEST VALUE to save off the future retail price. EXCLUSIVE OFFER is only available on this Kickstarter page for a LIMITED time. Grab your copy today - and save!
You will receive:
+Early release FIRST addition E-BOOK in both Kindle and ePub versions delivered in November.
+ ACKNOWLEDGEMENT on the book’s website!
+PLUS Mother Fighter AUDIOBOOK to listen on the go!
+PLUS the FIRST EDITION SIGNED PAPERBACK. Perfect for anyone who loves flipping through pages, underlining or taking notes. Also great to give as a gift for someone you love who could use a book-hug.
- FIRST EDITION E-BOOK - MOTHER FIGHTER
- AUDIOBOOK
- THE FIRST EDITION PAPERBACK - MOTHER FIGHTER
Mother Fighter Sock Reward
Get 1 & Give 1 Socks + Book!
Pledge $49 or more
MOTHER FIGHTER SOCKS+{ALL ACCESS PACK}
{EARLY ACCESS 25% SAVINGS}+FREE U.S. SHIPPING (for international shipping, select country after backing).
*BEST VALUE and only available on this Kickstarter page for a LIMITED time.
Everyone needs a little inspiration from time to time. Socks that motivate were one of my personal must have items that I wore to chemotherapy treatments. After regaining my health, I started gifting these fun socks directly to cancer patients. I have committed to personally donating 250+ socks directly to cancer patients this year; more, if I am able to!
This Mother Fighter Sock Reward was inspired by the pleasure I get giving socks to cancer patients. When you pledge $49 you will receive a pair of fun socks for yourself and I'll give a pair + a copy of the book to someone fighting cancer!
You’ll also receive an EARLY ACCESS DIGITAL E-BOOK + AUDIOBOOK + FIRST EDITION SIGNED PAPERBACK + an ACKNOWLEDGEMENT on the book’s website.
I know personally how much these socks bring hope to those fighting cancer - and they will motivate you as well. The socks come in a variety of colors and motivational messages such as: “I am STRONG,” "I am CRUSHING IT,” “I am BRAVE,” "I am LOVED,” “I BELIEVE,” "I am COURAGEOUS." There are so many more!
You’ll also receive:
INCLUDES:- FIRST EDITION E-BOOK - MOTHER FIGHTER
- AUDIOBOOK
- THE FIRST EDITION PAPERBACK - MOTHER FIGHTER
- MOTHER FIGHTER SOCKS + {ALL ACCESS PACK}
Pledge $150 or more
MOTHER FIGHTER BOOK RELEASE PARTY TICKET
YOU'RE INVITED TO THE MOTHER FIGHTER BOOK RELEASE PARTY!! GET YOUR TICKET!
This will be an exclusive magical evening full of festivities and delight hosted in Rancho Mission Viejo on November 13th days before we launch to publish.
Vegetarian & Vegan dinner will be served and we will dance, toss books in the air and laugh our very much alive & thriving heads off. I never threw a cancer remission party thanks to the pandemic - so consider this a celebration for giving LIFE to this book - and for that of my own.
This reward includes your ONE TICKET to the EXCLUSIVE BOOK LAUNCH PARTY.
You will also receive all of the incredible SAVINGS from above:
+EARLY ACCESS DIGITAL PACK (Kindle +ePub)
+PLUS AUDIOBOOK
+FIRST EDITION SIGNED PAPERBACK
+MOTHER FIGHTER SOCKS
*Must be local or able to travel to this event. This offer is ONLY available on this page for a LIMITED time and quantity.*
INCLUDES:- 1 TICKET TO BOOK RELEASE PARTY
- MOTHER FIGHTER SOCKS + {ALL ACCESS PACK}
- THE FIRST EDITION PAPERBACK - MOTHER FIGHTER
- FIRST EDITION E-BOOK - MOTHER FIGHTER
- AUDIOBOOK
Pledge $150 or more
CANCER CARE BAG {Shirt Tote Blanket Sox}
Cancer Care Bag
Pledge $150 or more
CANCER CARE BAG {Shirt Tote Blanket Sox}
The Cancer Care Bag is a collection of the must have items that I brought to the hospital with me for every cancer treatment visit: inside the tote bag are a Cotton Tee, Throw Blanket, and Socks. When you pledge $150 you receive the Cancer Care Bag Reward that includes CANCER CARE BAG + PAPERBACK BUNDLE + E-BOOK + AUDIOBOOK + MOTHER FIGHTER SOCKS
What You Get:
-Unisex Thriver Fighter Warrior TEE comes in 18 Colors and Sizes XS-XXL
-Inspirational SOCKS
-Thriver Fighter Warrior TOTE BAG to carry your items to/from hospital visits
-Cozy Throw BLANKET
-2 PAPERBACK BOOKS (1 for you - 1 for a friend)
CANCER CARE BAG + PLUS you'll also receive: EARLY ACCESS DIGITAL + AUDIOBOOK + 2 FIRST EDITION SIGNED PAPERBACKS
Plant-Based In Person or Virtual Cooking Class
Pledge $197 or more
COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF+3-DAY-MEAL-PLAN
{SAVE 20% Total Value}
Kitchen aficionados and clean eating chefs unite:
Join me for a Plant-Based Cooking Class & Dinner Party!
In my book I cover how eating plant-based foods can be beneficial to those fighting cancer — and more on what this diet looks like. There is incredible power that has everything to do with the foods you fill onto your plate.
If you are interested in learning how to cook plant based meals - this reward is for you. You will receive the cooking class + PLUS a 3-Day-Plant-Based-Meal-Plan designed to help you kickstart eating a diet that is equally delicious as it is nutritious. This meal plan includes kid tested and approved meals that all made the "clean plate cut" by my four mini taste test critics.
VIRTUAL COOKING CLASS:
The virtual option is taught by Chef Tim Van Ee of Houston-based Flavors on Fire, who has honed his cooking skills across two dimensions: ingredients and fire. He considers cooking a celebration of friendship, family, and shared values across cultures and backgrounds.
When: Saturday, August 28, 2021 4:00PM PST/7:00PM EST
The virtual class allows you to cook from the comfort of your own kitchen. You'll log in for our live virtual event and learn how to properly use those kitchen tools that have been gathering dust, plate your dish like a pro, and then you can ask your burning questions (pun intended) with Chef Tim van Ee during an interactive Q&A portion directly after the demo.
For U.S. and Canada residents, we'll ship you a box of ingredients for a meal that serves two. Anyone, anywhere worldwide is encouraged to join us, and we'll provide you with a shopping list for the ingredients.
**or**
LOCAL IN-PERSON CLASS:
Local to Southern California? Let's set an in-person dinner date at Tspoons in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
This option includes a 3 course menu – Appetizer, Entrée, Dessert • 1½ hours hands-on culinary instruction and food preparation • +1 hour dining party!
When: First class of 15*: Saturday, September 18, 2021
*Space is limited to 15 people per class. Additional class dates will be booked should we exceed this guest list limit.
With a $197 pledge, you save 20% OFF the total value of everything included in this reward. EARLY ACESS DIGITAL E-BOOK + AUDIOBOOK + FIRST EDITION PAPERBACK BOOK + MOTHER FIGHTER SOCKS + COOKING CLASS PARTY + 3-Day Plant Based Meal Plan
{Optional Reward Add-Ons}
1) A Custom Embroidered Apron for $26 - ships worldwide.
2) Custom Cutting Board - U.S. Canada residents only delivered with your ingredient box.
- COOK CLASS W/ FAMOUS CHEF!
- MOTHER FIGHTER SOCKS + {ALL ACCESS PACK}
- THE FIRST EDITION PAPERBACK - MOTHER FIGHTER
- FIRST EDITION E-BOOK - MOTHER FIGHTER
- AUDIOBOOK
Pledge $325 or more
{DOUBLE BUNDLE PACK & SAVE}
DOUBLE BUNDLE PACKS x 2 (TWO)- AND SAVE.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY. Hurry and grab yours today!
You're choice between:
- TWO (2) TICKETS TO THE BOOK LAUNCH PARTY
**OR**
- TWO (2) COOKING CLASS W/FAMOUS CHEF
PLUS you will also receive:
+ 2 MOTHER FIGHTER SOCKS + 2 EARLY ACCESS DIGITAL Packs + 2 AUDIOBOOKS + 2 SIGNED PAPERBACKS! It's ALL in this bundle x 2 for an amazing VALUE to SAVE OFF everything listed above. This exclusive offer is ONLY available on this page.
*Must be local to southern California region or able to travel to the book launch party.
*2 SIGNED PAPERBACK Books and 2 socks must ship to ONE address - worldwide
*Virtual cooking class boxes may ship to separate locations - U.S. Shipping only.
- 2× FIRST EDITION E-BOOK - MOTHER FIGHTER
- 2× AUDIOBOOK
- 2× THE FIRST EDITION PAPERBACK - MOTHER FIGHTER
- {BUNDLE PACK}+ 2 TIX BOOK RELEASE PARTY
- 2× COOK CLASS W/ FAMOUS CHEF!
- 2× MOTHER FIGHTER SOCKS + {ALL ACCESS PACK}
Praise
"Erin's highly anticipated first book features her signature combination of humor, honesty, and no-nonsense, direct advice. She has written a book about her experience with cancer, and I promise you're going to want to read this. She's a truly talented writer who knows how to speak about the deep trauma and pain of surviving grave illness, yet managed to turn it into an affirmation for life."
- Stacy Hume
"Erin is a woman who inspires me every single day. She wrote an amazing book and we can all help it reach the world. The world needs this book and I couldn't think of a more qualified person to write it or opportunistic time to give this book the spotlight it deserves."
-Denise Nelson
"As a working mother, a wife, and a woman who has dealt with conquering advanced cancer, she speaks with the insight and kindness of a trusted friend, helping others unpack the limiting mind-sets that destroy their self-confidence and keeps them from moving forward following deep disappointment and life interruption."
- Sylvia Johnson
"From her hilarious rendition for how to best prepare for a colonoscopy revealing expert tips on procedure prep to a fantasy involving her dream home in Costa Rica to her son’s wish to Santa that all he wants for Christmas is for Mommy to be home from the hospitable. Erin holds nothing back. With unflinching faith and tenacity, Erin spurs others to live with passion and unwavering hope to awaken their slumbering spirit."
- Katie Walker
Risks and challenges
The eBook launch is scheduled for November 16th. My publisher and I are both 100% committed to that date - no delays expected there. While I do not anticipate delays around getting the print book completed for distribution, we all know how life and technical difficulties can sometimes occur - especially working around pandemic restrictions. I remain cautiously optimistic that this should not be an issue. While my current remission status has allowed for me to resume a healthy work-life balance, I am still a very recent cancer patient mere months into recovering from chronic disease and a life-threatening illness. There is always the chance that should my health take a turn for the worse, I would not be able to deliver on these rewards. If that were the case; however, my family and I would do our best to find an alternative solution or reward for you. Rest assured that my health is soaring as much as my ambition. In the months since going in remission (Jan. 2021), I have already written this book, created and directed a successful March for Colon Cancer Awareness Virtual Challenge, run three half marathons (socially distanced), launched Mother Fighter Streetstyle Cancer Awareness Apparel Line. I have also volunteered to serve as a cancer advocate inspiring, educating and informing others about prevention and wellness. I have tackled each and every day for the tremendous gift I feel I have been blessed with. If I can accomplish all of that (among wrangling my family of six), I am confident in my hope to surprise you as I under-promise and over - deliver on this book - along with YOUR REWARD. Stay tuned!