The story behind Erin's Special

Once upon a time there was a good policewoman named Erin, who also happened to be a marathon runner.  She was well liked by her fellow officers and loved by her family and friends.  At age 30, she got the happy news that she was pregnant and would finally be able to start a family.  After a few prenatal appointments, the happy news got even better.  Erin was going to have twins.

When she was six months pregnant, Erin was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.  Three days later she went into labor and Bethany was stillborn.  The other infant, Clara was barely alive and not expected to survive.  Mother and daughter underwent intensive medical care from July to December.  Each was running her own race for life.  After many ups and downs, Erin and Clara were able to go home for Christmas.

While the infant was gaining weight and doing well, there were setbacks for Erin.  She fought cancer for the next year and got to celebrate one more Christmas.  But it finally became apparent that she could not withstand any more treatment.  In the spring of 2002 at age 32, Erin's body died, just days after her 20-month-old daughter spoke her first sentence, "Hi Mom." But today, Erin's spirit lives on.

Through an Internet investment club, Randy Blair, owner of Pizza and Pipes learned of Erin's story and began correspondence with Erin's father Gary.  They traded many e-mail messages and Randy was able to find out Erin's favorite pizza was pepperoni, bell pepper and olives.  Gary said she sometimes added anchovies because her ability to taste was diminished and she liked spicy and salty flavors.

Thus Erin's Special was born.  In her honor a portion of all proceeds will be sent to the Christian Children's Fund (CCF).  With $24 per month the CCF is able to provide education, nutrition, safe drinking water and health care for one child.  We currently sponsor a child in Ecuador a second child in Honduras.  If you would like to sponsor a child call 1-800-776-6767.

To read the Cleveland Plain Dealer's six-part story about Erin, please follow the link six-part story about Erin's struggle.

Clara continues to thrive with love from her dad and grandparents.