Willowbrook community helps future Willowbrook Warrior

Willowbrook U.S. History Teacher Andy Isaacson teaches his students there is more to learning than numbers and words, and the real lessons in life come from the relationships you create.

Isaacson’s class was watching the movie "Cinderella Man" with Russell Crowe, which tells the story of the Depression and James Braddock's efforts to keep his family together through great hardship. The class learned many lessons throughout the movie, but Isaacson explained the best lesson learned was the importance of helping others in their time of need.

“One of my students said in a class discussion, ‘We all wake up with the opportunity to make a difference for others,’” Isaacson said. “That was right about the time I was made aware of the medical troubles the best friend of my son, Dallas, was facing, and I knew there was an opportunity for us to help the family.”

Charlie Drury, a second-grader at Westmore Elementary School and a future Willowbrook Warrior, has been diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). Since the diagnosis, Drury has missed months of school and has incurred many hospital bills because of a specific type of treatment that costs about $12,000 a session and is not covered by insurance.

Isaacson’s students knew there was an opportunity for Willowbrook to help. Friends of the Drury family and Willowbrook students and faculty members have come together to raise funds for the family to offset the medical bills. Drury is an avid sports fan, so organizers are asking for sports memorabilia, collectibles, tickets, gift certificates and more that can be used in a silent auction.

“This is another example of really ‘living the Warrior Code,’” Isaacson said.

The silent auction fundraiser will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. May 18 at St. Pius X Parish School in Lombard. Along with the silent auction, there will be children’s games, a bake sale and cakewalk and other goodies for sale.

“The bottom line is we really do have wonderful opportunities in life to make the world a better place for others,” Isaacson said. “Real teaching sometimes means going beyond the rubric.”

For more information, or to request a donation pickup, e-mail Isaacson at aisaacson@dupage88.net. Those who would like to donate to the cause can bring donations to Willowbrook, c/o Isaacson. Checks can be made out to Kick Off For Kids/Change for Charlie.