My name is Daniel Boehm, and I would like to start a GoFundMe account for my cousin, Anita Goad. She is an elementary school teacher with the Hardee County School District. Anita has devoted almost seventeen years to educating children. On September 1, Anita had emergency surgery for a total hip replacement. The ball in the ball-in-socket joint completely broke off. She was readmitted at least three times after surgery. This was due to blood clots and infection around the surgery site. Anita was also advised that she had sustained nerve damage in the leg and foot on the right side. Quite simply, it has been a nightmare for her. She is unable to walk on her own. Anita’s goal after surgery and recovery was to be able to return to the classroom. Unfortunately, for the immediate future, it is not feasible for her to return. Before Anita became a teacher, she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. For anyone who has this disease, or knows someone who has it, it truly wreaks havoc on a person’s body and health. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues. It also affects the joints, skin, kidneys, and blood vessels. Needless to say, lupus has made Anita’s recovery even more difficult.

As a result, Anita’s entire situation is EXTREMELY DIRE! She has zero income since she is unable to work. She is a single person, so she has no spouse’s income to help cushion the blow. Anita does not carry disability insurance. In a matter of a few days, she has to come up with $1,600.00+ just to keep her premium for her school medical insurance in effect. It will cost this amount each month until she returns to work. As everyone knows, bills don’t take a break just because someone has no income to pay them. $1600.00 is a STAGGERING amount for anyone to pay! That is just the beginning. She has no money for rent, medical supplies and equipment, household items, prescriptions, etc.

Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to read this message. Also, Anita’s family would like to say “thank you” for your words of encouragement, messages, or any other means of positive support. If you are able to make a donation, no matter how great or small, it would be TREMENDOUSLY appreciated! Thank you!