Frega family fundraiser overwhelmed by support

BY Aprile McKinnon

The first of two community fundraisers to help fund the Eric Frega’s family cancer battle was held Saturday and organizers were pleasantly overwhelmed with the response.

Canyon Lake Hair Design in the Canyon Lake Town Center hosted the event, which donated haircuts, pedicures and tattoos and all proceeds went to the Frega family.

Eric Family Fundraiser organizers at Canyon Lake Hair Design are all smiles after a long day of haircuts and pedicures. The four are, from left, Alicia McCarthy, Cheyenne Bachelier, Devra Emerson, and Sarah Danylo. Photo by Alicia McCarthy.

Eric, known for his tireless advocacy in cancer detection and prevention through a foundation he created, is now in a critical fight for his own life. Diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer, he faces a challenging prognosis with an estimated life expectancy of 6 to 12 months and only a 1% chance of survival.

Hair Design organizers said the weekend’s fundraiser had generated more than anticipated, with the final count still underway as more contributions continue to pour in. Sarah Danylo, one of the volunteer stylists who donated her time, expressed her gratitude to the scores of people who came to the fundraiser Saturday.

“The community really showed up for the Fregas,” she said. “I’m just speechless.”

Ole Nunez and Charlene Nunez show their brand-new tattoos they received at the Eric Frega Family fundraiser on Saturday at Canyon Lake Hair Design. Proceeds from the tattoos, donated by Jared Gonzalez at the event, are going to Eric’s family to help fund his cancer treatments. Photo by Veronica Juarez.

The event featured tattoo artist Jared Gonzalez, who remained busy throughout the event, handling waits of 30 minutes or more for those paying $30 for half-dollar-sized tattoos. Men, women, and children lined up for haircuts and pedicures for a minimum donation of $20.

A second fundraising event to support Eric in his battle against cancer is scheduled for tomorrow, hosted by the Sports Stop and Patriotic Arms, from noon to 4:00 p.m. This event will take place at the Sports Stop, located in the Canyon Lake Town Center, and promises to be a community gathering filled with hope and support.

The highlight of the event is a raffle drawing, featuring a variety of enticing prizes. Attendees have the chance to win items such as sporting goods, a beautifully handcrafted wood flag, and many other valuable gifts. Raffle tickets are priced at $20 each and can be purchased at Patriotic Arms. The winner of the raffle does not need to be present to claim their prize.

Tattoo artist Jared Gonzalez applies a tattoo during the Eric Frega Family Fundraiser Saturday at Canyon Lake Hair Design. Jared donated his services for the fundraiser. Photo by Christina Gourd, Christina Lynn Gourd Photography.

The event will also include a silent auction and a D.J. The Sports Stop owner is donating food and fountain drinks while they last.

The fundraisers are necessary to help with Eric’s medical bills. In his quest for a fighting chance, Eric is seeking medical treatment outside the country. This decision, while holding potential for better outcomes, comes with significant financial burdens. The costs associated with international treatment are considerable, requiring substantial support.

Eric’s situation is particularly poignant given his long-standing commitment to helping others through his work with The American Cancer Fighter Foundation. As its founder, he has dedicated his life to confronting cancer through early detection and prevention education, extending support particularly to U.S. Military Service Members, Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

The community is rallying to support Eric in his time of need, reflecting his impact and the respect he has garnered over the years. Fundraisers and campaigns are being organized to assist with the expenses of his treatment and offer him and his family the support they urgently require.

For those wishing to contribute to Eric’s fight against cancer, they can do so by not only attending the event tomorrow in the Town Center, but also by contributing to his GoFundMe campaign.