Fundraisers to be held for Eric Frega’s battle with cancer
The Canyon Lake community believes in coming together to help others in the community. Multiple local businesses will host fundraisers over the next two weeks to help the Frega family fund Eric Frega’s fight with Pancreatic Cancer.
On Jan 21, Canyon Lake Hair Design will hold a fundraiser and on Jan. 27 Sports Stop and Patriotic Arms are coming together to host a fundraiser.
Eric is the founder of The American Cancer Fighter Foundation and is now battling a horrific battle himself. This family is no stranger to cancer, and now really needs the help of others for Eric to have a fighting chance.
Eric has been diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer and his current prognosis from City of Hope is a life expectancy of 6-to-12 months with a 1% chance of winning the cancer battle. Eric said he doesn’t like those odds and is currently seeking treatment outside the country. This treatment comes at an extraordinary cost.
Eric, Jamie, Dominic and Christian Frega gather at Christmas time after Eric’s recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Fundraisers to help fight his battle with the disease are being held at two different locations in the Canyon Lake Town Center on Jan. 21 and Jan. 27. Photo provided by Sarah Danylo
Just a few weeks ago, Eric felt fine. But, he began suffering abdominal pain. The 47-year-old USMC Veteran ultimately sought emergency care for what surged into agonizing.
Initially suspecting gallstones, numerous scans and tests were conducted in hopes of pinpointing the source of the pain. Hours later, Eric and his wife were confronted with heart-wrenching news. The scans unveiled that this affectionate father of two was battling pancreatic cancer.
Unaware of the gravity of the situation, Eric had a liver biopsy confirm that the cancer was at Stage IV and that it had spread to the liver.
Eric, a devoted Christian, patriot, and committed husband, is also the visionary behind The American Cancer Fighter Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to confront cancer through early detection and prevention education accessible to every American.
The foundation’s “Fighters Club” extends support to U.S. Military Service Members, Veterans, First Responders, and their families in the throes of cancer battles. They view it as their duty to aid those who have served America in their fight against cancer. For the past 14 years, Eric has dedicated himself to helping others, and now, the opportunity has arisen for others to assist him.
Pancreatic cancer statistics are grim, with 90% of individuals diagnosed succumbing within the first five years. The fundraisers’ objective is to rally support for Eric’s family so that they can access the necessary treatment without financial constraints.
The Jan. 21 fundraiser at Canyon Lake Hair Design will be providing haircuts for men, women and children for a minimum $20.00 donation and 30-minute pedicures (no gel) for a minimum $20.00 donation. Half dollar sized tattoo from Flash will be available for a minimum $30 donation. All proceeds will go to the family as the time will be donated to help support this cause. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., first come, first served.
The Jan. 27 Patriotic Arms and Sports Stop fundraiser will take place at the Sports Stop in the Canyon Lake Town Center from noon to 4:00 p.m. A raffle drawing will at the Sports Stop at noon. Raffle tickets are for sale and can be purchased by contacting Patriotic Arms in the Canyon Lake Town Center.
“Eric’s best friend Chris Alvis came in and started this, wanting to purchase a firearm to do a raffle,” Veronica Juarez, the co-owner of Patriotic Arms, said. “I asked him who it was for and decided we would donate as well. I said we should make this big. It just really exploded. It’s about $25,000 in raffle prizes at the moment. We just really need to sell tickets.”
Some of the items up for raffle are sporting goods, a handcrafted wood flag, family photos, ceramic vehicle coating, six person four-course dinner, solo stove, $1,000 in hair services, projectors, generator, gift cards and much more.
Raffle tickets can be purchased for $20 each with no minimum and the winner does not need to be present to win.
Eric has been a coach and otherwise involved in the Canyon Lake baseball community.
“Help support this cause and join one of the fundraisers, purchase raffle tickets, spread the word and contribute directly to the family,” Veronica said. “Canyon Lakers do what you do best, and stand together in this fight.”
A Go Fund Me campaign is underway and is accessible at www.gofundme.com, search for Frega.