An infection in the port where Lili McGrath receives her chemotherapy means the 3-year-old will spend the weeks leading up to Christmas in Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

As a surprise for Lili, her room will be decorated, complete with an Elf on the Shelf, compliments of several staffers at Baldwin High School, where her mother, Sarah McGrath, teaches art.

“It won't be the same as being at home,” said Cheryl Foote, a fellow art teacher at Baldwin High School. “We want to bring Christmas to her.”

Students and staff throughout the Baldwin-Whitehall School District are coming together to support the McGrath family as Lili works to beat leukemia.

News of Lili's diagnosis in the spring was met with overwhelming support from Sarah McGrath's co-workers, peers and students with a range of fundraisers.

“You don't have to be a parent for your heart to go out to them,” Foote said. “The school just tends to be a supportive community.”

Students ages 17 and 18 will be able to donate blood through the Central Blood Bank on Wednesday and Dec. 13.

This is the second blood drive at the high school, where donations are earmarked for Lili, who requires numerous transfusions as part of her treatment, said Susan Fagnelli, English teacher and blood drive coordinator.

“We're hoping to build lifelong donors,” Fagnelli said. “They know someone that the blood is going to ... They wear it almost like a badge of courage.”

Several deaths of staff members and in their families last year left an impression on the Baldwin High School faculty, Foote said. It made them more thoughtful and thankful.

So when Lili was diagnosed with leukemia, many of them jumped to help the McGraths. At first, high school teachers contributed funds to cover hospital parking, meals and other unexpected expenses, while taking turns making and delivering meals to the McGraths at Children's Hospital or their home, Foote said.

Meanwhile, other district fundraisers were held in Lili's name, Foote said:

• Paynter Elementary School organized a beaded bracelet fundraiser, while the high school's art honors society and crafts classes made “Lil' Knots” – more than 100 friendship bracelets.

• Lottery tickets that coincided with the Pennsylvania daily drawing were sold throughout the district. Winners received a cash prize, but several of them donated the money back to the McGraths.

• An anonymous staff member at Baldwin High School made a quilt, which also was raffled off.

• A teacher talent show on Nov. 8 also served as a fundraiser for the McGraths.

• An Avon fundraiser is finishing up at the elementary schools.

• Finally, students and staff are collecting soda pop can tabs as a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House. Those donating the tabs are encouraged to say a prayer for Lili for each one they remove, so Lili can see how many people are thinking about her.

Alex Frankhouser, the teacher filling in for McGrath while she is on leave, is working with students in the metalworking and woodworking classes to create sculpture for Lili. Frankhouser said the students insisted on taking part in the project because of the positive influence McGrath has had on them.

“I thought it was a good idea,” Frankhouser said. “The students all care so much because (Sarah) cares so much (about them.) They don't forget.”

To make a donation to Lili McGrath, go to http://www.youcaring.com/ medical-fundraiser/ loveforlili/26456.

Laura Van Wert is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-388-5814 or at lvanwert@tribweb.com.

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