HOW Chowchilla Paula Lager

We are honoring Paula Lager as she deals with the devastating loss of her husband Eric. Please come and support Paula as she learns how to navigate life without her partner. Paula Lager and her husband, Eric Lane, shared 21 years together, 10 of those as husband and wife. They built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, adventures, hard work, and dreams for their future. More than a year ago, Eric developed a serious bacterial infection in his spine. What began as an already frightening diagnosis quickly became a complicated and life-threatening medical journey. Eric was diagnosed with spinal osteomyelitis and discitis, a severe infection involving the bones and discs of his spine. He endured tremendous pain, extensive medical treatment, intravenous antibiotics, and ultimately major spinal surgery. In late June 2026, Eric underwent a significant operation to remove damaged bone and stabilize his spine. Paula and Eric hoped this would finally put him on the road to recovery. They believed that with time, treatment, and determination, they would eventually get their lives back. Unfortunately, what followed was a series of devastating complications. Despite aggressive treatment, Eric continued battling a persistent staph infection. He developed blood clots in his legs and lungs, followed by additional life-threatening complications affecting his nervous system. For nearly 14 months, Paula’s world revolved around hospitals, doctors, procedures, and the uncertainty of what each new day might bring. For six weeks, she stayed near the hospital in Sacramento, determined to remain close to her husband. The days were long. The nights were longer. There were moments of hope, only to be followed by heartbreaking setbacks. With each new challenge came more difficult decisions and a growing financial burden, adding yet another layer of uncertainty to an already unimaginable situation.