Erica's Run .com

This past weekend was Erica's Run in honor of my beautiful niece, who passed away in 2009. My sister has an amazing team of women that has helped to organize this event, now in its third year - her son and two daughters are now on the board, too.

My niece, Jackie, wrote a beautiful poem about her sister .....

  Our Angel Erica

Daughter, Sister, Friend

Erica Nicole, a baby girl born with a head full of hair

and a set of big brown eyes that loved to stare.

As she grew into a young little girl,

she loved to play dress up with Nana's rhinestones and pearls.

She was a tomboy in dresses

who made plenty of messes.

Having to sit in the bathtub just to eat her food,

she created a monstrosity as she chewed and chewed.

A daughter who gave her mother a run for her money,

who woulda thought, she'd grow up to be so funny.

She went from bullying her two sisters and brother,

to a young woman who protected and loved them just like her mother.

She was a loyal and true friend,

all the way from beginning to end.

She puts the sun in our sunshine,

because our hearts will forever intertwine.

With a smile that would light up a room,

and an enticing scent of sweet perfume.

Beautiful, intelligent and talented too,

are qualities of Erica's just to name a few.

Strong courageous and brave also come to mind,

- J.M. Pombrio

I'm so glad we were able to take the trip to Merrimack, NH - the wonderful team of volunteers helped to make the 3rd Annual Erica's Run grow from 207 runners last year to 436 runners this year!! The money raised goes to assist families in the community that are in the midst of battling cancer, to help pay their bills. When my sister and her family were in the battle for Erica's life, the community of Merrimack came to embrace them and become a part of their family, so it's such a wonderful gift to be able to give back!! I love to go there and become a part of the community, if only for a short time.