Four-year-old Erick, son of Bakersfield Police Department (California) Detective Jeff Achtmann and Bakersfield Police Department Crime Scene Technician Candace Achtmann, was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on November 3, 2023. His diagnosis has turned his family’s world upside down and left them heartbroken. Although Erick has reached complete remission and has been downgraded from standard to low risk, his treatment plan will still be long and will require him to undergo chemotherapy for two and a half years. His chemotherapy roadmaps consist of spinal taps for intrathecal chemotherapy, chemotherapy infusions through his port, and daily oral chemotherapy medication. While in treatment, his family must travel to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera County, sometimes several times a week. His treatment plan will require several in-patient hospitalizations and clinic visits, requiring him to be hospitalized for two out of the first six months after diagnosis. Because Erick is severely immunocompromised, there may be times he will have to be hospitalized for minor illnesses and fevers, which are considered a medical emergency. Once his chemotherapy treatment is complete, he will need to continue to be seen at Valley Children’s Hospital for follow-up survivorship appointments for a minimum of five additional years, when he will be considered cured and cancer free.

This fundraiser was created to assist with costs associated with Erick’s treatment and to eliminate as many stressors as possible so Erick’s parents can solely focus on his care. To further assist Erick, as well as other pediatric leukemia warriors, please consider blood and platelet donation, as chemotherapy, and blood and platelet transfusions are the primary ways to treat leukemia. Erick's family would like to thank everyone for the prayers, donations, and emotional support thus far. They would like to thank everyone, in advance, for contributing to Erick's campaign. They kindly request that you keep Erick in prayer. You are welcome and encouraged to share this fundraiser information.