Erin’s Story
Erin was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and so much more. Her bright smile brought happiness to all of those around her
and encouraged them to be the best that they could possibly be. She loved, and was loved by many. Sadly in October of
2013 Erin lost her courageous fight to leukemia at the age of eleven. In 2014, the Sparkle Run was started in
memory of Erin by two of her elementary school teachers. The event was a huge success and has become an annual event to
help the surrounding community through the donations received. Since 2014, we have continued to come together every year
to remember Erin and the impact she made on those around her while helping raise money for various
charities along the way.
An overview of The Sparkle Run
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The Sparkle Run is a 5k run & walk. It’s a fun way to get together with family & friends and partake in a wonderful cause
that has raised money for various charities and projects around Iowa. The event takes place at the DMACC Ankeny Campus with various activities
taking place before the run. You can also volunteer for free if you want to help The Sparkle Run truly sparkle!
All of the proceeds raised go towards causes that help change lives and give hope to surrounding communities. As of 2025, The Sparkle Run has donated over $360,000.
Our plans for the future
We have managed to help so many people and change so many lives in the short time that The Sparkle Run has been around,
while remembering Erin along the way. She is the reason for this wonderful event, and her memory is what keeps us going each and every day.
Erin loved helping those around her and inspiring them to make the best out of life, and that is exactly what we try to do as well through this event.
Making Erin proud and helping those in need will forever be the future of The Sparkle Run and we look forward to many more years of making
the world a better place one step at a time.