Towson Preschool Teacher Hurt In Boston Marathon Explosions Has Leg Amputated Below The Knee
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ)— A community is coming together to honor a Maryland woman injured in the Boston blasts. A vigil was held Wednesday for 29-year-old Erika Brannock, who is still recovering in a Boston hospital.
Meghan McCorkell has more from those who know her.
Family members say Erika Brannock is conscious and breathing on her own, but she's expected to remain in the hospital for at least a month.
Dozens gathered inside the Trinity Episcopal Church in Towson to pray for the recovery of Erika Brannock.
"Tonight, it's about really mourning--not a loss, but a tragedy," said Rev. Gregg Morris of St. John's Church.
Brannock was waiting to see her mother cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon and was severely injured in the explosions. Doctors were forced to amputate her left leg.
"As a part of the running community, I wanted to be here and support everyone that's been touched by this," said church member Wendy Moskowitz.
Brannock has worked at the Trinity Episcopal Children's Center for the past four years.
"Miss Brannock has been such a strong spirit in our preschool. She is loving and warm and full of energy," said school chaplain Kathleen Capcara.
Kelly Barnes' 2-year-old daughter is one of Brannock's students. She says Brannock was looking forward to the marathon.
"She's definitely missed. She was a conscientious teacher and she even sent us an email that she was not going to be present on Monday. This was going to be a milestone for both her and her family," Barnes said.
Now, instead of welcoming her back, the church gathered to pray for the young teacher.
"It is so very important that people express their community in this time, and that we lean on each other in these horrible times," said Rev. Ken Saunders.
The preschool will hold a Purple Friday this week to honor Brannock, who is a huge Ravens fan. They're also trying to organize a blood drive.
The school has also established a support fund called "The Erika Brannock Fund," and donations can be mailed to:
The Erika Brannock Fund
P.O. Box 828
Sparks, MD 21152
For more information, click here.
