'Endurance For Erin': Local Businesses, PTO Team Up to Help Crocker Student with Leukemia

Word spread quickly through the Crocker Elementary School community that fourth-grade Erin Moomey was sick.

Moomey had been diagnosed with leukemia at the end of February and the Crocker community and Ankeny responded quickly with fundraisers to help the Moomey family, said Amanda Mein, Crocker PTO co-president.

“Crocker is a tight knit community within the community. We just wanted to do something to support our own students. They are a great family going through a hard time and we wanted to do something (to support them),” Mein said.

The Crocker Parent Teachers Organization put together a fundraiser selling T-shirts and bracelets made by the Strawberry Patch with a slogan “Kickin' Leukemia for Erin” and “Team Erin” printed on them. Encore Dance Academy, where Erin is a student, did the same and set up a meal schedule for the family as well. A dye-your-hair-pink day brought in $1,000 and pink and orange ribbons covered in rhinestones exchanged for free will donations have brought a quarter to $50 each.

Evie McPherson, Erin's dance teacher, said she was crushed when she learned that Erin had leukemia.

“I've known her for 8 years she is like my personal baby,” McPherson said, but also said “I would do this for anyone who was in need of emotional support or financial support.”

A number of other groups in the community have offered their support as well. Erin Moomey's volleyball team wore pink ribbons and made the girl posters. And Erin Moomey's soccer team hosted a hat party.

Finally on April 20 South Ankeny's Farrells will host a fundraising “smack down” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Moomey's mother Becky is a student at the gym. Freewill donations will be accepted for the work out session and proceeds will be given to the family.

“Anyone can show up and make a donation,” said Farrell's manager Ben Gray.