<div>I want to first introduce myself as a 36 year old mother and veteran elementary school teacher who recently completed 10 years of service at Charles County Public Schools. 

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<div>I recently suffered a heart attack caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare and often unexpected condition where a tear forms in the wall of a coronary artery. Blood pools and clots in the artery in an attempt to heal the  tear  (so, it is not a traditional heart attack due to cholesterol blockage- my cholesterol has been fine and ive been otherwise perfectly healthy in that sense) 

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<div>But, in my case, the tear caused a complete blockage, and by the time I was airlifted to Southern Maryland Hospital, my troponin levels—a marker for heart damage—were over 3,000 ng/L (normal is under 34). I was rushed into cardiac surgery for a heart catheterization and angiogram.

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<div>Even now, my levels remain dangerously high, and my recovery will take months. SCAD often affects women in their 40s and 50s (though, obviously can effect much younger women- as I am only 36) and is linked to stress and other underlying conditions—such as recurrent migraines, anxiety and depression — many of which I’ve quietly battled for years.

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<div>I support a family of seven alongside my husband, and we depend on both our incomes. 

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<div>My husband has had to take off a lot of work to be with me in the hospital and to help with my recovery and doctors appointments since hospitalization. He will need to take off even more in the coming weeks and months for the same reasons. 

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<div>Unfortunately, my leave was already depleted after caring for my son, who spent over six months recovering from a severe knee injury. Now, with me needing to take FMLA through the end of the school year, we’re struggling.

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<div>If you’re in a position to donate, even anything at all, I would be deeply grateful. I know firsthand how powerful kindness can be, especially in our hardest moments. I will never forget your generosity and will personally reach out to express my thanks.

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<div>I originally made this post to ask for leave donations to help cover me through the end of the school year. Though, I’ve come to understand that leave as an Elementary School teacher is a scarce and precious resource that many have wanted to be able to contribute, but simply don’t have the ability to do so. 

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<div>Therefore, I’ve come to this alternative (although it is difficult for me to ask for help like this I’m doing it not for myself but for my family so that we can make sure to stay afloat). 

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<div>I deeply appreciate your generosity and support if you choose to help us in any way. 

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<div>Thank you from the bottom of my Heart ❤️‍

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Kathleen Stafford

catherine Knepp

Stan Cindy Pitcher

Stan & Cindy Pitcher

Christina Lacey

Carol Kerr

jennifer moore

Justina Swann

Jo Deaton

Mark Duval

Kate Shanbarger

Kaitlin Norris

Laura Hammett

Elisa Bloemberg

Joseph Bello

Pam Johnson

Robert Bradshaw

Justin Browne

Donna Wagner

James Norris

Family in Need After SCAD Heart Attack

Just $235$ to go! Make an impact.

Family in Need After SCAD Heart Attack

Just $235 to go!
Make an impact.