On March 6th, 2019, Jeff Stein, fondly known as Mr. Wildcat by the students and staff at Henry County High School, suffered a stroke.  He spent several months undergoing extensive inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational and speech-language therapy with the primary goal of returning to the classroom.  While Jeff has made substantial progress over the past 2 years, he continues to display severe dysarthria (a motor speech disorder which makes it difficult for him to speak clearly).  He was recently evaluated for a communication device which would allow him to communicatehis wants/needs, feelings and thoughts with increased independence.  Unfortunately, the Stein family will be responsible for paying 5,000 dollars toward the device.

Jeff has been an educator for 23 years and has dedicated the past 6 years to teaching Earth Science and Physics to Freshmen students at Henry County High School.  People in the community know him best as Mr. Wildcat because he attended EVERY sporting event to support student-athletes and energize the spectators.  Jeff also volunteered his time and talent to coach the academic and chess teams. 

Despite his physical limitations resulting from the stroke, Jeff and his wife, Jillian, have maintained his legacy.  You can often find him on the sidelines of a sports field or the bleachers of a gymnasium.  Just look for his Mr. Wildcat cape!  If he can't be there in person, you can be certain Jillian has shared a video of him doing his infamous C-A-T-S cheer to support the school and the students he loves.  Jeff's dedication to the Henry County community knows no bounds.            
            
Jillian has been Jeff's advocate since the beginning.  She has learned how to safely transfer him to the bathroom, how to assist him with dressing and strategies to help him speak more clearly.  She has never lost hope and continues to support Jeff in his goal to return to the profession he loves.  Unfortunately, Jillian has been unable to work since March of 2019 as Jeff requires 1:1 care.  Jeff and Jillian also have a daughter, Tori, who will be a Sophomore at Shelby County High School this fall.  She has shown great strength and resilience while coping with Jeff's sudden and unexpected disability.    

I'm asking you to rally behind the Stein Family.  With a communication system, Jeff's return to the classroom is possible.  Any additional funds raised will go toward medical bills and living expenses for the family.   Please join me in helping Mr. Wildcat regain his voice!