City bands together to Blue Springs officer in his fight against cancer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - After almost two decades of serving Blue Springs as a police officer, the city is now giving back to Lt. Brandon Claxton as he fights cancer. With the help of a local celebrity, Claxton’s longtime friend, this fundraiser and concert was possible.

The fight is on through the power of music and the theatre to make sure children in Blue Springs don’t lose another parent to cancer.

Long before America knew David Cook, Brandon Claxton, was playing football with the soon to be American Idol Champ.

“I was blown away that he volunteered to do this benefit concert for me,” Lt. Claxton said. “We’ve known each other since 4th grade.”

“I always knew Brandon to be an upstanding guy and kind to everyone,” Cook told KCTV. “The opportunity came up to do this and use whatever platform I’ve been afforded to do some good for someone who means so much to the town of Blue Springs.”

As a kid, Cook played on this very stage at Blue Springs South High School for fun. Now, he’s using it to give the Claxton family hope.

“It’s a steady mix of excitement and crippling anxiety but it’s a blast to be back,” Cook reflected. “I got to perform Westside Story on that stage. I got to perform Singin’ in the Rain on that stage.”

Cancer has robbed the Claxton family before, but Brandon will not let history repeat itself.

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“My kids have experienced this with my wife who ed away from cancer,” Lt. Claxton said. “I just want to make sure their life is as normal as possible and we’re just going to keep on going and fighting through it.”

Claxton’s kids are inspired everyday by their dad’s strength.

“Really proud, I want him to stay strong, stay healthy,” Claxton’s son Benson told KCTV.

“He’s kind, he’s funny, he makes me laugh,” Claxton’s niece added.

The only treatment for Claxton’s Mantle Cell Lymphoma cancer is in Houston. Where he’s doing a non-chemo clinical trial on a monthly basis. So, silent auctions and raffles were also held to pay for travel and medical bills.

“I’m sure they can use all the help they can get and he’s so deserving being an officer of the law,” participant Shere Graham stated. “We appreciate all of them.”

On the day of this concert and auction, the group Claxton’s Shield received more than $2,000 donated online, where you can still send money to Brandon’s family by clicking here.

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