GoFundMe Appeal

It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)

Our daughter, Melanie Whitaker, is a career educator in the public-school systems of Roanoke County, and this year in Roanoke City. We have watched her grow in her professional path, but also in her personal life, and met many of her students and fellow teachers. It is a blessing to see young lives changed and colleagues encouraged by the calling Melanie has as a teacher and leader. Her students need her and love her, and she, in return, is a positive presence for some of the most needful students in our educational system.

Melanie developed Type 2 Diabetes a couple of years ago and manages the condition fairly well. This disease, however, makes extremity infections common and often results in amputations.

Melanie had one big toe taken last year, but recurring pressure sores required a further toe amputation recently. While she tried to take care of the wounds to allow healing, she also had to keep working. The continued stress on the injured foot caused further infection and pressure damage, which has developed and required amputation of the remaining toes on her right foot. That surgery was done on Tuesday (12/09) and the doctor offers a good chance of full recovery.

The caveat to that outcome is 12 weeks of non-weight bearing and therapy. Treatment will also require a week or so in a skilled nursing facility to ensure proper healing and beginning physical therapy. Melanie must be off work for the entire 12-week period.

Her teaching job has healthcare coverage, but the difficulties and earlier surgeries at the beginning of this school year used up all her paid leave time and medical expense coverage for the entire year.

We are asking for donations to help meet the $5,000/month to pay the basic expenses that continue during this time. A $15,000 goal may sound like a lot, but by joining together, a big need can become a great blessing. If you will also, please share this need with those in your own network who can help at this time.

Thank you for giving to help a caring teacher, compassionate leader, and a positive influence on the lives of children. All donations will go toward required expenses, and the account will be monitored by me personally. Your donations are fully covered by both the donation refund and donor protection guarantee of the GoFundMe protection plan.