Hello Class of 1982 and happy holidays!!I am writing to you all in hopes of helping one of our classmates in need who is certainly deserving of some kindness and support. I am sure many of you remember Michelle (Gravel) Edwards walking the halls of TL, getting to and from class with her crutches. She was never a victim, always with a smile and often replying with a joke. Her Cerebral Palsy has always been a big challenge in her life, but she was and still is someone who took on life’s challenges with grace and courage. Michelle married the man of her dreams who also has Cerebral Palsy and together they have navigated their challenges together – but a couple of years ago, they came upon hard times that they alone have not been able to recover from. They had some health issues and were forced to give up their condo (and dog!) and entered a long-term care facility. I can speak from experience – NOBODY wants to be in one of these places, and them having been there now for over two years, I knew I had to try to help them get out of there and help them 5nd somewhere to live! That is where I need your help. I am asking for our Class of 1982 to step up and help Michelle and Scott. We have finally found a home for them to move into that will allow them to once again use their electric wheelchairs (their current situation does not allow them so they are either in bed, on crutches or using a manual wheelchair) It has taken all of their savings to live in this (horrible) long term care facility because they took their social security income while they have been there. Please help our classmate regain some dignity, independence and happiness. I am asking for you to dig deep and help Michelle and Scott - you can help by donating to this GoFundMe (no amount is too small) and/or if you live locally they will need help moving! ALSO – if you are in the legal profession (did class of 82 produce any lawyers?!!) they desperately want to get their dog back and need some legal help!I have always admired Michelle’s ability to overcome so much adversity and navigate di;icult times. Their recent challenges are too many to write about here, but I will mention that their dog – which is like their child – was taken from them when they entered this facility. They have tried desperately to get him back but with no luck – but the fight is not over…So, they sit in this place feeling helpless and heartbroken too boot.

I know the kind of people our TL class of 82 is made up of. We are compassionate, generous, kind and know how to rally for a good cause. It’s why I am asking you and thanking you in advanced for helping Michelle and Scott! Happy holidays to you all –With love and gratitude,Beth Maloney and Lisa Brucker