Erik

Nominated by Carlos Camacho, TAFT

Erik is a 20-year-old young man who has received medical services with Dr. LaFrance since the age of 10 when diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Erik has a passion for art and is very close with his family and beloved pitbull. While Erik has faced setbacks and frustrations with being confined to a wheelchair and experiencing other physical challenges, he is determined to overcome each struggle to transcend the boundaries his disability imposes with a positive outlook. Mom describes Erik as “an optimistic, strong young man. Someone who has never given up, been negative or ashamed about his diagnosis.”

Since his diagnosis, Erik’s journey has been one with numerous hospital stays, therapies and medical appointments with specialists including nephrology, neurology, cardiology, pulmonology, and orthopedics, among others. His care coordination team at CDTC has been involved in helping Erik and his family navigate the healthcare system to support his care, including the ECHO program 2017-2023, and most recently the TAFT program to focus on his pediatric-to-adult healthcare transition needs.

Erik’s TAFT care coordinator is currently working with Erik on his goals of becoming more socially engaged, learning of his educational options, and on increasing his overall independence in managing his medical care. At his recent doctor appointment, Dr. LaFrance commented that by staying on top of his medical appointments and being more engaged in his health, she can tell he is stronger. While Erik continues to defy the limitations of his prognosis, his CDTC care team will continue to join his family in cheering him along to his next chapter. His Mom expressed “I am thankful for all the care, attention and services provided by CDTC’s doctors, care coordinators, and staff.”