"Together We Can."

For those of you that remember my innagural post of Good Deeds For The Public concerning the MD State Troopers that took Erik Lerch on a flight of Trooper 3, the story can now be closed. On Monday, 20 March, 2006, Erik Alexander Lerch of Mount Airy and formerly of Laurel, lost his courageous 2 1/2 year battle with cancer. Born December 4, 1992, he passed away peacefully at home with his mother at his side.
Erik said that his purpose in life was to bring out the best in people and he did that each and every day. He brought out the best in everyone who met him and touched many lives with his infectious laughter and impish grin. His courageous battle involved many people throughout his community of Mount Airy, Maryland, especially the students, faculty and staff of Mount Airy Middle school, and reached the hearts of celebrities such as Lance Armstrong, Sheryl Crow and Cal Ripkin.
He was recently bestowed the honor of 4th degree Knight by the Knights of Columbus and was involved in several non-profit organizations involving children. Even through his own pain, he always reached out to others to offer a kind word of encouragement. His legacy will live on in The Erik Lerch Foundation to carry on his desire to help other families faced with similar challenges, and as the face of the Bellanger/Federico/Pitterich Foundation "Cool Kids" campaign. Erik loved Harp Seals since he was a baby, and wanted to thank Sir Paul McCartney for his efforts in saving them.
He joins his father, William "Bill" Lerch who preceded him in death in October, 2005. Forever in the hearts of his mother, Joan Lerch and his brother, Tony Quintana; along with his grandparents, Lenore and Thomas Lerch of Cheverly, Md., and Delores and Frank Blahnik of Laurel, Md.; as well as a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins, his faithful companion Abigail, and hundreds of friends that he made in his short life. Erik believed in living life to its fullest, taking one day at a time and cherishing those around him. "Livestrong"
Memorial donations may be sent to The Erik Lerch Foundation, P.O. Box 158, Mount Airy, MD 21771.

Godspeed Erik
Erik Alexander Lerch, Dec. 4, 1992 - March 20, 2006