Students hold prayer vigil for girl with leukemia

Ten-year-old Taylor Baum hasn't seen a whole lot of Elgin's Westminster Christian School this year.

But the students, parents and staff at the school sure are thinking a lot about her.

Dozens gathered today at Taylor's house in South Elgin to pray for the fourth-grader's healthy recovery from cancer.

"We know it's a very hard time for the family," Westminster senior Ryan Donahue said. "We're asking for a miracle, God."

Taylor was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia - an aggressive form of the cancer - in April, and has been in and out of Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital ever since.

She spent almost all of September in the hospital with a fever, said Lynn Erling, Taylor's grandmother.

"It's a very fast, rapid cancer," Erling said.

Taylor was expected to attend the prayer vigil. But friends and family said her mom, Tonya, had to take her back to the hospital.

"I just pray she'll be able to go back to school, dear God, and feel like a normal child again," Erling said.

Friday's prayer vigil was organized by students in Westminster Christian's campus ministries class.

About 50 people showed up at Taylor's house, gathering individually or in small groups to pray for Taylor and her family.

"Our prayers are with them," said Donna Robnett, Tonya Baum's co-worker.

Robnett is running in the Chicago Marathon this weekend to help raise money for the family. She also helps deliver food to them during the week.

Westminster students have also done their part.

At the end of last school year, the kids sold blue T-shirts - Taylor's favorite color - with her name and favorite number on the back to raise money for medical bills and other expenses.

They've also collected donations, and given the family gift certificates to local restaurants and gas cards to help defray the cost of driving to and from the hospital.

"This was entirely student-led," Westminster Christian Superintendent Chad Dirkse said. "We continue to pray for (the family.) We love them. Even in the midst of the trial they're dealing with, they're having a real positive impact on not just the school community but the community at large."

If you would like to make a donation to help Taylor and her family, you can call Westminster Christian School at (847) 695-0310.