
Support Elisabeth's Recovery from Lung Infection
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Elisabeth Garst, and I have been a public school teacher for over 40 years. Teaching has always been my passion and calling. I began at John Muir elementary school from 1968-1980, after three years of teaching in West Oakland; then I went to graduate school at Cal and taught English 1A and 1B; then I taught English and ESL at Berkeley High School from 1985-2000; I retired in 2000 to help raise my granddaughter; in 2009 I returned to teaching at the Berkeley Adult until 2024 when my health problems necessitated my resignation.
I have been battling a serious toxic lung infection for three months, which has left me severely weakened and unable to work. This leaves me with only my small pension that is not enough to cover my rent and other basic necessities.
I am seeking assistance to cover my rent, utilities, and medical bills as I work towards recovering my health. Your support will help me maintain my home near my family and afford necessary treatments to completely heal my lungs of the recent abnormalities revealed on a CT Scan.
This health crisis has been the worst in my life; I have been very weak and sick, and I have only improved due to the support and help of my family and caring neighbors.Thus, it is very important to me to stay in my home where I can feel supported and helped to regain my normal strength, not to move to a strange place where there will be no support for me.
Teaching has always brought me immense joy, and satisfaction. It's very hard to ask for help, but since I can’t teach now, I need your support now more than ever. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a big difference in my life.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Your generosity and kindness are greatly appreciated. With your help, I hope to get back on my feet and regain my health.
Organizer and beneficiary
Elisabeth Garst
Organizer
Berkeley, CA
Joshua Room
Beneficiary