Patch Inspirational Cancer Blogger Passes Away

Erin Vidovich, a writer with stage 4 breast cancer who reached out to others with an honesty and empathy that touched many Southern California readers, passed away April 4. A memorial service was held for her on April 12 at Los Altos Grace Brethren Church in Long Beach.

Vidovich was 47 when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and candidly wrote that mammograms had failed to detect it due to her "dense breasts." 

But despite her cancer likely having grown for three to four years, Vidovich, a married mother of two sons, wrote of her frustrations but also of her religious faith that saw her through years of treatment. And her last blog for Patch sang the praises of cancer caregivers, most of them women.

She poured her energy into reaching out to others newly diagnosed with the disease, offering practical tips on what to expect and how to cope during treatment, hair loss, what meds to request for nausea and to remember a pillow for chemo days. From her Long Beach home she also started a care package delivery for the newly diagnosed (see photo).

And that human empathy in the form of practical presents such as warm caps for post-hair loss and comfy pillows for chemo chair treatment is a legacy her family will carry on friend James Calhoun said.

"Erin's efforts to comfort and support others also battling cancer [continued even] during her final year," said Calhoun.

"In conjunction with the family’s church, Erin's husband John and sons Kyle and Matt have decided to carry on Erin’s spirit and compassion for others through the creation of a nonprofit organization called 'Erin's Serendipity,' with the mission of continuing the same cancer care packages Erin so lovingly created," Calhoun added.

With that in mind, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to Los Altos Brethren Church, with "Erin" in the memo line, to help carry on 'Erin’s Serendipity.' http://erinsse.blogspot.com/2012/07/chemo-and-care-packages.html 

In her Patch blog posts, Vidovich wrote about the decision to undergo a mastectomy, the fear of medical scans, hair envy and her husband's devotion to cooking for her, which was headlined 'Kitchen Fires Show He Cares.'

Among her most poignant blogs on Patch was cancer's humbling strikes on her vanity. Headlined Vidovich shared her husband's loving gesture about her enduring beauty. Anyone who ever felt inadequate could relate.

Vidovich's husband will blog for Patch in the coming weeks to continue reaching out to others with cancer, and their loved ones, and sharing his journey of the past 5 and a half years as well as news of Erin's Serendipity project.

In eulogizing his wife on Friday afternoon, he said:

Erin gave many others and me the fact that we are here for an unknown amount of time and to take what God has given you and pass it on, and she was never afraid to share her faith and experiences through her blogs. It was so great to see how many followers she would get through her blog.... While sick, Erin decided to start making cancer care baskets. It was her way of sharing and making someone feel good at the same time. This is something I promised I would help carry on. Something called "Erin's Serendipity". As our family tries to continue on with our lives without her, it is comforting to know that Erin is in Heaven, she is without pain, eating chocolate (something she was allergic to here), and someday watching her grandbabies being read their Daddies' favorite books. ...What a blessing God has shared with each and every one of us.

Did Erin touch you or connect with you or a family member? Tell us in comments and we will share them with the Vidovich family.