A former cast member from Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart” recently asked fans for help. Erica Carroll, who played Dottie Ramsey early during the run of WCTH, shared a plea on behalf of a fan and friend.
Erica Carroll Says A Fellow Heartie Needs Help
On September 13, Carroll shared a video via her Instagram page directed to fans of “Where Calls the Heart,” often called “Hearties.” She noted, “I know I haven’t been a part of the #hearties line up for quite some time but please allow me to ask for help on behalf of one of your heartie family members Desiree Nelson.”
Carroll explained that she first connected with Nelson in about 2019. “She’d seen a social media post that I had done regarding my health and I think a lot of the symptoms were similar to hers,” she explained.
The two later connected via FaceTime and continued to stay in touch, developing a friendship over their similar health challenges.
She noted that the “good news” was that Nelson had finally received a diagnosis of endometriosis. However, Carroll explained, the condition is “absolutely horrifying, extremely painful, and it is so under-researched and so underdiagnosed.”
Carroll added, “To watch someone who’s so bright and intelligent and loving be in such high levels of pain reduced to a very low quality of life is devastating.”
A surgery that would likely help Nelson improve her quality of life is not available in Canada, where she lives. However, Nelson can travel to Europe to get the surgery if she can pull together the funds to do so.
“If you can relate, if you understand, if you can even send some love, well wishes, words of encouragement, any little bit would help when you are suffering and alone year after year after year,” Carroll shared.
She continued, “It gets pretty hard to pick yourself up and I’m just so proud that she’s had the courage to ask for help.”
Carroll had to pause a couple of times to regain her composure as tears started to swell in her eyes. “So my friend Desiree could really use your help,” she noted.
The Fan Support Touched the ‘When Calls the Heart’ Fan
Carroll explained that Nelson has a fundraising page on the website GiveSendGo. Nelson’s medical issues have significantly affected her quality of life has suffered greatly with her medical issues.
They added that Nelson is typically a private person, “not wanting her pain to be an excuse to avoid embracing all that life has to offer.” However, at this point, “the level of pain she is currently experiencing is unsustainable.”
The money raised would help Nelson cover medical costs, flights, and accommodations in Europe, where the surgery is available. The funds would also support Nelson throughout her recovery once she returns home.
“Des cannot afford to wait on the Canadian healthcare system and needs expert care due to her complex abdominal and pelvic situation,” the fundraising organizer added.
Hearties seem eager to step up and support Nelson. One fellow fan took to Instagram to share a giveaway she was doing on Nelson’s behalf. Later, Nelson herself shared a touching message via her Instagram page after word of her needs spread.
“Oh. My. Heart! This is surreal, and I’m still in shock and awe at the kindness and generosity,” Nelson noted. She added, “This little boost of hope arrived during a tougher week.”
Nelson also explained that all of the support has “made my heart burst, the tears flow, and my strength renewed.”
