Blood Drive To Help Shaken Infant, Family

A Blood Drive in Easley this month aims at helping a Spartanburg infant with Shaken Baby Syndrome and her mother.

Last month, just a few days before she was 9 months old, Cheyenne Rae's father shook her, causing swelling and bleeding on the infants brain. Her father, James Davis, is currently in custody, charged with child abuse causing great injury.

Cheyenne is fighting for her life at Greenville Memorial Hospital. The baby has endured numerous surgeries in the weeks since she was shaken.

Tonya Johnson organized the blood drive, which will be held 9am – 5pm at the Blood Connection in Easley.

“I have a nine month old,” Johnson said. “This really hits home for me.”

Johnson said blood donations are crucial, as donations are at a 15-year low.

“This is a great opportunity for people to step up and give blood,” she said.

Johnson said other donations for the family will be accepted during the blood drive.

“We're not taking direct cash donations, but we will accept checks or money orders made out to Cheyenne's mom, Amy Owensby,” Johnson said. “We're also making a care basket for Amy.”

Items for the care basket will be greatly appreciated. You can donate items for Cheyennne and her mom.

“Any clothes for 9-12 month-olds, gossip magazines, gift cards to grocery stores, restaurants, Walmart to buy Cheyenne stuff that she may need when she comes home,” Johnson said, listing examples of items for the care basket.

The Easley blood and donation drive gives people who have been following the story in the news a chance to help without having to drive to Spartanburg, where other fundraisers are being held, Johnson said.

"I'm hoping for a good turnout," she said.

Follow Cheyenne's progress at prayersforcheyenne.com or facebook.com/prayersforcheyenne.