BALDWINSVILLE -- Students and faculty at Baker High School rolled up their sleeves Wednesday to give the gift of life to help one of their own. 16-year-old Kelly Gleason and her father Jack are recovering in a Buffalo hospital after a serious crash Sunday that took the life of Gleason's mother Audrey, a bus driver and coach in the Baldwinsville School District.
Tessa Glavine is Kelly Gleason's rowing teammate and neighbor. She says shortly after the accident the decision was made to hold today's previously scheduled blood drive in honor of the Gleasons.
"The moment we heard about the tragedy of her mom and dad we immediately knew that this blood drive would be towards Kelly and supporting her family," says Glavine.
Elizabeth Graydon is Kelly’s chemistry teacher. She says holding today's blood drive in honor of the Gleasons is a way for the entire school to not only help Kelly and her family, but it also offers a positive way for students and faculty to deal with the tragedy. "It creates unity it helps us all deal with the emotions," says Graydon.
There is no word yet when Kelly Gleason will be well enough to return home. When she does make it back she will find an entire school determined to do whatever it takes to help her and her family recover.
Kelly Gleason was upgraded from critical to serious condition on Wednesday. Dennis Gleason is in good condition.
