First Responders Celebrated; Towson Teacher Remembers Boston Bombing
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- This month marks the four-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing.
The horrific attack left three people dead and hundreds of others injured, one of them was a teacher in Towson.
Erika Brannock lost part of her leg at the Boston Marathon bombing.
Four years later, she's taken incredible strides and is still giving back to to those who helped her along the way.
"It's still hard when I think back on that day and how much my life has changed," she said.
The teacher at Davenport Preschool was at the finish line cheering on her mom when one bomb took part of her leg.
A recovery many couldn't bare to handle.
"More than I could count, I never thought I would be able to pick up a kid again, or swim."
Through the help of her students, friends and doctors, Brannock has dominated her recovery and is walking again.
Four years later, she's still giving back to those who helped her do so. Especially first responders who saved her life that day.
"First responders don't usually get the kind of recognition they deserve, and I think its a way to really honoring them."
Her story sparked what's now the Touch a Truck event at Davenport Preschool where she teaches.
"We knew within days of the bomb going off, we had to create an event that would make her smile and kids smile and that's how touch a truck was born," said Christine Britton of Alperstein Law.
It's an opportunity for kids to dive in and learn about those Brannock holds so close to her heart.
"Pure joy, it's just the best thing ever. They've been the most crucial part, without support, I'd be in a deep dark hole the rest of my life," Brannock said.
All proceeds benefit the Providence Volunteer Fire Company and Davenport Preschool.
The event is sponsored by Alplerstein Law along with Davenport Preschool and Mission Barbecue.
Brannock says she recently got back from the Boston Marathon where she was cheering people on at the finish line.
Alperstein Law said they're hoping to make it even bigger next year since it will be 5th anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing and find a charity to donate the proceeds to.
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