LEAWOOD, Kan. — Erin Langhofer was living her dream until her life was cut short by a senseless act of violence.
She was shot and killed at First Fridays on Aug. 2 in the Crossroads Art District, an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a fight.
While she is gone, her memory and spirit for helping others lives on through her church family.
"As we are wanting to honor her and remember both her passing, but also how through the donation of tissue, she helped 50 people after her death. We always have a fall drive but wanted to do this in memory of her and in honor of her," Adam Hamilton, senior pastor at the Church of the Resurrection said.
The Langhofers are members at the church, and Erin's dad, Tom, is also a pastor there.
"She would be very happy about this. I think she would feel honored by the fact people were coming out to remember her and to make a difference by helping other people. Following really her example," Hamilton said.
One person who was donating blood was Erin's dad, who said donating blood was a tradition for him and Erin. They loved being able to give back.
Langhofer said he almost did not attend event because of his grief, but knew his daughter would want him there.
He gave blood while constantly being reminded how his daughter is still changing lives.
"It's a privilege for us to be able to stand in the gap between a loss and people dealing with that grief and helping them honor somebody in this way," Chesley Smith with the Community Blood Center said.
Hamilton said giving back is a good way to honor a life.
"This is a simple way to say I did something to make the world a better place and help other people," he said.
The drive is open at the Leawood location until 8 p.m. on Monday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. You can walk in to donate or click here to register online.
