Hi there, my name is Erin, and it is an absolute honor and pleasure to meet you. I am a nearly 25-year veteran in the medical field, and over that time in working with doctors of multiple specialties, I have stacked nuggets of knowledge to help bring me where I am today. Just like you, my life’s journey has had many twists and turns, and my knowledge and compassion for helping others has never wavered. I have now chosen to leave it all behind to create a line of products that would have a positive impact on cancer patients. Below is a snapshot into my journey that led me to you.
I found a true passion in the field of Medical Oncology; and the team of remarkably experienced physicians (nearly 150 years of experience between them) who were instrumental in bringing success to their patients and our office as a team. These physicians listened, researched, fought for their patients, and for us, their colleagues. Throughout my time there, I formed special connections with numerous patients and their families. As a result, I gladly served as one of the many parts within this extraordinary field of medicine. I was able to authentically palpate the heartbreak, the anguish, and the joy which these patients experienced. So much of the time, the patients endured harsh complications with their skin – from intense itching, redness, peeling, and drying to extensive hair loss and the fact their only recommendation was to use an over-the-counter cream or a course of prescription steroids which have their own laundry list of side-effects. This exceptional medical practice was where I learned about humanity in a way I never experienced (other than raising my children). I was stretched and motivated by the experiences picked up along the way. I did not want to leave this beloved field when I did, but it was time.
I naturally progressed into the Reconstructive Plastic and Trauma Surgery (and for a time Surgical Oncology) specialties concurrently. It was here I met six different surgeons and mid-level providers who each had a remarkable way to connect with patients and bring a sense of calm and stability to the chaos happening to their bodies. For several years, I had the unique privilege and opportunity to have a “front row seat” where I could learn and observe the daily interactions with patients, watch the healing process before my very eyes, and quite often observe the surgeons’ and providers’ witty humor used to keep our patients laughing when they would rather break down and cry.
This unique lens of focus revealed in me every emotion from rewarding to sobering. On my very first day, I saw a partially reconstructed breast that was black from radiation damage, and it gut-punched me. Surgeons had determined radiation therapy was the foremost adversary in the field of reconstruction. I developed empathy for the patients’ hope for a positive outcome in the face of radiation’s realities. Surgical wounds which seemed not to heal also broke my heart, as these men and women already were suffering medically more than most people I know. The providers consistently stressed to their patients the importance of protecting their skin no matter what. From my first day, I chose to be intentional with each patient, treating them like the only important individual in the room, and I created strong bonds and relationships with these patients because many had a zero-support system. This gaping need on their part would grieve me, especially when it was a terminal diagnosis. Our wise PA, Cary, told me on more than one occasion (read: almost daily) “You can’t save them all kiddo!” Oh boy! I sure thought I could though – there’s some of that determination and tenacity I have carried through the years. One patient wrote to me “…knowing you was one of the better things that came from having cancer.”
The privilege of being a confidant and shoulder-to-cry-on as well as personally walking many of these warriors through the valley of the shadow of death was a sincere honor I continue to cherish. Each of my providers trusted me to make good choices with our patients in my connections with them. They did not question my abilities or knowledge to serve as a trusted encourager. This approach to their care had the blessing of my providers, and I retain this care philosophy to this day. Due to the significant patient suffering and my desire to do something tangible, I left the field of medicine to launch a new career at the end of 2022.
At the beginning of 2023, I was given the tremendous opportunity to consider different possibilities of continuing my passion in the lives of cancer patients. This gift of extra time inspired me to create something special to help with the most consistent problem I encountered – damaged skin from the side-effects of necessary (yet harsh) treatment modalities and surgical wounds. I set to work researching ingredients found within nature and processes for how these could best treat damaged skin. After many failed attempts, I successfully formulated five products which have formed my “Restoration Collection”. These products are created with premier holistic ingredients and absolutely ZERO detrimental ingredients or things you cannot pronounce, much less take the time to research. This unique endeavor is attributed to my and my fellow providers’ desire to have patients achieve optimal results following treatments, surgery, and improve the aesthetics of how their skin responds to the anticipated setbacks.
Allow me to become the friend you never knew you wanted, offering you products to help bring a measure of restoration and relief. My commitment to supporting you in your cancer journey is as strong as ever and what a true gift it will be to assist in the health of your body’s largest organ—your skin. I am hopeful you will give me the opportunity to help you by means of these products.
