Friends are doing everything they can to help and encourage Eric Nolting.
Everything was going right for the 37-year-old father of two who had been with the love of his life, Shannon Walton, for 16 years.
He had finally achieved his goal of working as a pilot for Air Canada and had moved his family back to the Okanagan.
Then things went very wrong. Nolting went to his doctor for minor concerns and was diagnosed with stage four melanoma which had spread throughout his entire body. He was told he had only four to six months to live.
“Eric is now face to face with his own mortality,” said family friend Jessica Nobrega.
“This is heartbreaking news for this young, loving family. Amidst the heartbreak, positive news has come out. There is a new, experimental drug that Eric may be a candidate for.”
Nolting’s doctor is researching this possibility but the outcome is unknown and since Nolting has just started a new job and is still in a probationary position, his financial security is uncertain.
“With that in mind, it has become apparent that we need to pull together as a community, as human beings, as good Samaritans, as mothers, fathers, and individuals to help this amazing family in any way we can. We need Eric to focus on his recovery and family without worrying about financial strain,” said Nobrega.
There are two fundraisers planned. A group garage sale will be held Saturday at 612 Hart Place in the Foothills area of Vernon. There will also be hot dogs, cupcakes and drinks for sale to help raise more funds.
For more information or to donate items, contact Cara Arding at 250-260-1663, or Samantha Adam at 250-542-2245.
There will be a silent auction July 14 at 3 p.m. at Mackie Lake House on Kidston Road in Coldstream.
There will be art work, NHL memorabilia, photography vouchers, golf passes and more. For more information call 250-542-2245.
