Central hosts blood drive in honor of struggling infant

A community blood drive is being planned for early June in support of Brookfield Central High School teacher Danna Bowe Andrews' infant son, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Paxton Bowe Andrews was born in February. He has been receiving chemotherapy at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin for more than two weeks.

Blood drive

The Key Club is organizing the drive, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 8 at Central.

"Danna Bowe Andrews has been on our teaching staff here for a long time," said Elyce Moschella, coordinator for Central's gifted and talented program. "She has also been a coach for girls track and a Student Council co-advisor."

Moschella said the school has been communicating with staff and students but wants to involve the entire community in the effort. The goal is to get more than 60 units of blood.

"The whole staff and student body are actively involved in praying and reaching out to a member of our BCHS family," Moschella said.

Background, information sources

Paxton had been brought to Children's Hospital because of what appeared to be a common cold and eye infection. The infant is undergoing biopsies, bone scans, and blood and marrow testing as doctors search for an exact cancer diagnosis.

Funds also are being raised to help support the family's medical expenses. As of Monday, 127 donors had contributed, raising more than $10,600.

Get involved

HOW: donated to the Andrews family or make a blood donation

WHERE: Brookfield Central High School, 16900 Gebhardt Road

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 8

LEARN MORE: Contact Key Club adviser Bruce Follo at follob@elmbrookschools.org or visit CaringBridge.org/visit/paxtonandrews.