It is with a heavy heart that we share that on Wednesday, April 27 yEAHbestlife founder, Erika Hlavacek passed away due to complications of stage IV lung cancer, a diagnosis she received more than four years ago. She was surrounded by friends and family.
Erika’s infectious sense of humor, magnetic energy, drive to make change, and radiating love for her family and friends were a force that drew us all in and made us better. She was a pilot, a mother, and an advocate who left her mark on the lives of thousands of people locally and throughout the country as a lung cancer patient research champion and founder of the nonprofit yEAHbestlife.
Erika also leaves a permanent imprint on our organization through her passion and vision. From the initial seeds of inspiration onward, Erika was an unwavering champion for lung cancer research, education and advocacy. Erika lived her best life full of fierceness, honesty, and love, and she inspired others to do the same. yEAHbestlife simply wouldn’t exist without Erika, her husband Jeff, and their two wonderful kids, Francesca and Antonio.
We send our deepest condolences, love, and support to the Hlavacek family and the community that loves them. We miss Erika terribly. Our lives are richer and more vibrant for the precious time we had with her, and we’re committed to honoring her every day with our work at yEAHbestlife.
In Tribute: ‘Best life’ founder Erika Hlavacek leaves everlasting impact – The Record, North Shore