<div><span>As a Special Education teacher, I advocate for others.
Now, after a traumatic classroom injury, I find myself needing the same compassion and advocacy that I’ve given.</span><br />



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<div><span>After having emergency Retinal surgery, trauma, and months without income, I’m fighting to heal physically and emotionally.</span>


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<div><span>My Story </span>



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<div><span>On December 20, 2024 — just fifteen minutes before Christmas break — my life changed in an instant. </span>



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<div><span>A student struck me in my classroom, and that moment began a journey that has tested me physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The injury led to emergency eye surgery for a torn retina and months of healing, limited movement, and increased migraines, among many other things.</span>


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<div><span>As my body healed, I developed panic attacks, anxiety, and signs of PTSD. </span>



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<div><span>My doctor recommended trauma counseling, but workers’ compensation denied requests, claiming my emotional trauma wasn’t related to the injury. </span>



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<div><span>Following medical advice, I entered an intensive outpatient program and continue trauma counseling — now paying out of pocket.

I truly believe that if therapy had been approved early on, I would already be back in the classroom.</span>



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<div><span>Currently, when under stress or discussing the incident, I experience stuttering, delayed comprehension, short-term memory loss, and painful itching on my left arm that leaves scratches and bruises.  </span>


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<div><span>Although the district still lists me as “employed,” I have no income. </span><br />



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<div><span>I’ve been left without pay and ongoing medical needs that continue to grow.

Because of short-term memory loss, comprehension struggles, and unpredictable anxiety attacks, I’m unable to take on even a part-time job while waiting for resolution. </span>



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<div><span>I find myself humbly asking for help with, gas, groceries, medical bills, trauma-focused therapy, and mostly BASIC living expenses, </span>


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<div><span>as I work to heal and rebuild. </span><br />



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<div><span>Your prayers, encouragement, and shares mean more than words can say. </span>



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<div><span> I will never waste a pain — I am determined to turn this pain into purpose.</span>



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<div><span> “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,
who have been called according to His purpose.”
— Romans 8:28</span><br />



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Help Teacher Heal After Classroom Assault

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