MEC Leukemia Survivorship Foundation Raises $10K

At Wednesday's Lower Southampton Board of Supervisors meeting, Tony, Margie and Molly Crooks of the MEC Leukemia Survivorship Foundation were able to present a $10,000 check to St. Christopher's Hospital Development Director Megan Lepore.

The foundation held a 5k last April at Russell Elliot Memorial Park to raise the funds that will benefit the Oncology Fund at St. Christopher's.

The foundation, which is named after Leukemia survivor Molly Elizabeth Crooks, held its first 5K in May 2011. This 5K, which was the organization's first fundraiser,  -- the hospital were Molly was received a bone marrow transplant from her sister, Kristen.

Tony, the non-profit's president and LSAA president, said that this year the foundation was able to double the funds it raised with the help of the community and local businesses.

He said that his family "has very special place in our hearts for the oncology team at St. Christopher's" because this is where Molly received her initial diagnosis when she was two years old and was treated there as an inpatient three different times from October 1998 until February 1999.

Crooks also said that Molly was followed up by St. Christopher's until December, 2001 when she relapsed and received a second round of chemotherapy there.

After presenting the check, Tony said that the foundation is planning on holding a third 5k next spring.

"It’s really nice to see a family to step up for such a worthy cause," board Chairman John McMenamin said.