The Rockville Centre community rallied in a powerful show of support as firefighters turned their North Centre Avenue firehouse into a fundraiser space for 6-year-old Layla Crews, who is undergoing treatment for leukemia.
Hosted by Alert Engine & Hose Company No. 2 of the Rockville Centre Fire Department, the June 13 event featured raffles, silent auction items, a 50/50 drawing and direct donation opportunities, with proceeds aimed at easing the financial burden on the Crews family as Layla continues long-term medical care.
Layla is the daughter of Sean and Lauren Crews. Sean has been a member of the Rockville Centre Fire Department for more than 20 years, responding to emergencies across the village while serving in the same department now supporting his family.
Layla's health challenges began in August 2025 when she started experiencing recurring fevers and was frequently sent home from school. Initially believed to be the result of a virus or common illness, the symptoms persisted into September, prompting doctors to order blood tests. The results revealed abnormal blood counts, and Layla was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia in early October.
“As you hear the word cancer, your heart just drops,” Sean said. “We've gotten into a routine where things have become a little easier day to day, but still have our challenges.”
The diagnosis came after an already difficult year for the family. Following a recent move from New York to the Steele Creek area of Charlotte, North Carolina, Layla became seriously ill in February 2025.
What initially appeared to be the flu developed into a blood infection and necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and severe bacterial infection sometimes referred to as flesh-eating disease. She spent about a month recovering from that illness before later receiving her leukemia diagnosis.
Since then, Layla has undergone extensive treatment and is currently in the maintenance phase of her care. She receives treatment at Cohen Children's Medical Center and has adapted to many of the routines that now accompany her medical care.
“It was really hard in the beginning, just emotionally adjusting to a child with cancer, especially so young, and having to change our whole life,” Lauren said. “She could no longer go to school, so socialization and things like that were really hard for her.”
The diagnosis dramatically changed daily life for the family. Sean left his job to become Layla's full-time caregiver while Lauren continued working, reducing the household from two incomes to one while facing the financial demands of long-term medical treatment.
The family has also worked to maintain a sense of normalcy for her 14-year-old sister, Kyla, while balancing the needs of a child undergoing cancer treatment. Along with the medical challenges, the emotional toll of the diagnosis has required the family to adapt to an entirely new routine.
“It feels good to know that we're not alone, and I'm really proud of my sister, because I know that's not something easy for a six-year-old to deal with,” Kyla said. “She's so strong, she's braver than me.”
In recognition of Sean's decades of service, the officers and members of Alert Engine & Hose Company No. 2 organized the fundraiser to support the family. Planning began months in advance, with firefighters reaching out to local businesses and organizations throughout Rockville Centre for donations and assistance.
“We knew once we heard the diagnosis that we needed to do something to help out,” Captain Jesse Keane said. “This is all for Layla and we want to do everything we can.”
Nearly 50 local businesses contributed items for raffle baskets and auction prizes, while volunteers helped coordinate donations and prepare for the event.
Firefighters and community members worked together to ensure the fundraiser would provide meaningful support while demonstrating the village's appreciation for the Crews family.
Throughout the afternoon, the firehouse remained busy as residents purchased raffle tickets, bid on auction items and stopped by to offer encouragement to the family.
Tables filled with donated baskets lined the room, while firefighters, friends and neighbors gathered to show their support and check in on Layla and her family.
The event raised roughly $8,500 through donations, fundraising efforts and an online campaign. While the financial support was significant, family members said one of the most meaningful parts of the day was seeing Layla enjoy herself.
“I was happy with everyone that showed up and supported us,” Sean said. “We were overwhelmed with the support that Layla got.”
The turnout exceeded expectations and reflected the strong sense of community in Rockville Centre and the close bonds shared among members of the fire department and the families they serve.
As Layla continues in the maintenance phase of her treatment, which is expected to last about two years, the family remains focused on her recovery.
For more information and to donate, visit the Crew’s page at FundTheFirst.com.
