Erik Sauer, Creator of ‘There Goes My Hero Foundation,’ Named Harford’s Most Beautiful Person for 2013

From Harford County government:

The Harford County Department of Community Services recognized 35 nominees for Harford’s Most Beautiful People at the 27th annual awards ceremony on Thursday, October 3 at the Bel Air Church of the Nazarene. All of the nominees have touched the lives of many in Harford County and their stories are an inspiration to others.

Erik Sauer was named Harford’s Most Beautiful Person for 2013. Erik, a leukemia survivor, was diagnosed just before the birth of his second son. He was admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment that included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. He faced many challenges, but his wife, family, and friends were there for support.

During his treatment, Erik noticed some patients at the hospital did not have support. It prompted him to create the There Goes My Hero Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to restore hope to leukemia patients and their families. The foundation provides meals, holds bone marrow drives, fundraisers and other events. Erik dedicates hundreds of hours per year to his organization, also known by its abbreviated name of “Hero.”

“I won’t rest until everyone has the same opportunity for recovery that I had,” Erik remarked.

The other nominees for the 2013 Harford’s Most Beautiful People were: Brenda Aleman, Patricia Aylmer, Laurena Bell, Josephine Bodt, Michael Bowen, Lawrence Burton, PJ Chambers, Carol Cheicante, Mark Dardozzi, Scott Di Gennaro, Beryl Fleming, Jennie Garrison, Donna Gustafsson, Bonnie Haden, John Haug, Shannon Hitchings, Wynona Hilton-Stanley, Kim and Russell Hurd, Linda Marlow, Edna Matterson, Evelyn McSoreley, Debora Merlock, Barbara Polack, Pastor Al Reeves, Patricia Reeves, Claire Roz, Gary Stokes, Christine Sullivan, Cathy Swisko, Shirley and Alan Thompason, Stanley Williams, and Wanda Williams.

This year the nominees include individuals who serve the community in nursing homes, churches, shelters, and civic causes. They worked with youth, special needs populations, hospital patients and others. The contribution of their time enhances the quality of life in Harford County.

For more information on Harford’s Most Beautiful People Awards, visit http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/awards/harfordsmostbeautiful/.