Erin Potter's Family Raising Money For The Hospital That Helped Them
The 8-year-old who has fought off three bouts of cancer is helping raise money for new bone marrow transplant rooms at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital
Erin Potter isn't what you would call lucky.
No 8-year-old girl who has had to fight off three bouts of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia can be deemed lucky.
But, in some ways, she is fortunate. She has a family that loves her, people rooting for her -- many she has never even met -- and a hospital filled with people that have become like an extended family for her.
By the estimation of Jeni Potter (Erin's mother), Erin has spent about 100 day this year at Rainbow Babies & Children's Fund since March when her leukemia reoccurred for the second time.
That includes five consecutive weeks where the entire family camped out at the hospital while Erin was receiving treatment.
And, the year before that, the Potter family spent nine consecutive weeks at Rainbow.
"Personally, all the staff -- the doctors, the nurses, the cleaning people -- they've become part of the family," Jeni Potter said. "They are incredible people who do nothing but make your living there -- and that's what you're pretty much doing -- better."
Erin is doing better and recovering at home after her second bone marrow transplant on July 18th at Rainbow.
While she convalesces, she and her family want to do something to help the hospital that has helped them so much over the years.
They are raising money for new bone marrow transplant rooms at Rainbow by having a fundraiser called Champions for Hope this Nov. 17 at Severance Hall in Cleveland.
Parker Hannifin has already donated $50,000 toward the cause -- enough for an entire transplant room. However, the Potters hope to raise enough money for at least two more rooms, Jeni Potter said.
Those who are interested in donating can learn more at the Champions for Hope web site.
Additionally, some of you may recall Erin Potter's hope of meeting pop star Justin Bieber.
Well, Erin is closer than ever to her wish thanks to the kindness of some strangers.
Not one, but two, sets of people who have never met Erin gave her tickets to Bieber concerts.
"We are heading to Chicago on October 23rd for that concert and then we head to Pittsburgh on November 20th," Jeni Potter said. "Both sets of tickets have been donated by absolute strangers who have just heard of her story and love of JB."
Jeni Potter noted that Erin's ability to attend the concerts depends on her health continuing to improve.
She said that she was not sure if Erin would be able to meet Justin at the concerts. However, she added, "I do know that at both concerts we have fantastic seats."
Jeni Potter said that she wanted to thank everyone who has helped her daughter and family during these tough times -- not just the ones who bought her concert tickets but everyone who has kept the family in their thoughts and prayers.
"It's amazing," she said. "I can't believe the support our family has received."
Jeni Potter
10:41 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Another terrific article. Thanks Jason - Jeni
Susan
2:29 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Praying for little Erin. Always. You are a trooper. Stronger than most adults I know; an inspiration. I hope you can meet J.B.! -The May Family
Lori
9:48 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
A wonderful article ...representing a beautiful family.... inspired by a "Rainbow" of caring people...inspiring on so many levels! Rock On :)