In an overwhelming outpouring of support for the family of Airdrie paramedic, Jayme Erickson, whose 17-year-old daughter died as a result of a horrific car collision last week, nearly $38,000 has been raised through a gofundme campaign that was set up on Monday, just shy of the $55,000.

In an emotional public post on social media over the weekend, Erickson, who works as an advanced cared paramedic in Airdrie, revealed that she had been dispatched with her partner to the scene of a head-on collision last week, on November 15 at Big Hill Springs Road and Range Road 24. Erickson, at the time, did not know that the patient she was tending to was her own child, due to what Erickson said were horrific injuries. 

"The critically injured patient I had just attended to, was my own flesh and blood. My only child. My mini-me," Erickson wrote. 

It wasn't until the police notified her after she returned home from work of what had happened, that Erickson realized, her worst nightmare had come true. Erickson's daughter, Montana, was flown via STARS air ambulance to the Foothills Medical Centre (FMC), but due to the extent of the injuries she sustained, Erickson wrote that they were not sustainable with life.

"I cannot help but be angry for the short amount of time I was given with her. 17 years was not long enough... I am shattered. I am broken. I am missing a piece of me. I am left to pick up the pieces and expected to carry on."

According to the gofundme page, the Erickson family has collectively served as Advanced Care Paramedics for close to 30 years. The donations will go towards easing financial stress as both parents navigate the earth-shattering loss of a much-beloved daughter. 

"These will be hard times to wade and we want their future free of financial hardship- whether it's taking time to heal, building their beloved farm, or helping Montana’s legacy live on and have this to fall back on years down the road. This is an endless healing journey."

As the news has shocked the community in both Airdrie, Calgary, and the surrounding areas, thousands of messages of condolences and support have been written by Airdronians and Albertans across the province, united in their grief with the family.

Erickson reminded all those reading her social media post of one of the most important things everyone can do.

"Love with all your heart. Hold those close to you. Make memories. ‘If you’re going to love somebody, hold on as long and as strong as you can… till you can’t.’”

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