November 16, 2015 at 4:29 p.m.
JWMS students support classmate waiting for liver transplant
JWMS students support classmate waiting for liver transplant
By Kayla Thomason-
Bobby Towne, an eighth grader, has Wilson's disease and is in need of a new liver. According to www.mayoclinic.org, Wilson's disease causes the liver to not properly excrete excess copper. The metal then builds up in the liver, brain and other vital organs. Wilson's disease is treatable, if caught early, and those affected can lead a normal life.
Those who participated in Lend a Hand - Wear a Hat Day donated $1 to wear a hat during the schoolday. They were given a sticker to put on their hat signifying their participation.
"I think (the fundraiser is) a great thing for Bobby," said Trevor Knapp, Bobby's classmate. "When we were playing football this season I was wondering why he wasn't there and I finally found out he was down in Milwaukee (for treatment) and it hit me (how ill his classmate is)."
He said he chose to wear a hat because he wanted to support Bobby.
"I think (the fundraiser is) a really nice thing for Bobby, it's a good charity, helps a lot and it makes him think that people are always there for him," added Ian Burg, another classmate. Ian said he chose to wear a hat because he likes them and wanted to help Bobby.
According to a press release, organizers of the fundraiser were hoping to raise $500.
The proceeds will go to the Towne family to help with the medical expenses.
"A group of us have been working together to figure out ways that students and staff can work together to earn money to support Bobby and his family with medical expenses while they await and go through his transplant," said Kim Bowman, a science teacher at JWMS. "Our students love to wear hats, plus they're an accessory that almost everyone has. Charging a dollar to wear them for a day was an easy way to earn some money."
She added that many students asked if they could donate more than $1.
Bobby appreciated his classmates' gesture.
" ... It really, really means a lot to me how they are putting their time into this and actually having the time to do this," he said. "It's a huge help to the transplant and everything."
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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