Help our Teacher & Family with Passed Away Husband

Posting her reaction on @helpnrhsteacher on instagram!

MAY 4TH UPDATE - it is with deep sorrow that this morning, by another student, we found out that Ms. Buffa's husband passed away from multiple illnesses & cancers. We are asking all that SEE this to please share, repost this, or donate to help with funeral arrangements, some time off for recovery, and extra compensation. Whether it's a $1 dollar donation or words of encouragement, we need to provide extra aid for her to lean on in these terrible times, so once again, we need your help!

She is getting fired. She's extremely dedicated for teaching, not missing one day of her attendance this entire school year. This would be her only source of income this summer.. In addition, with her husband passed away, depression is inevitable. After all, she's only human. Will you help her and her family?

If only words could explain how much this woman is going through.

I’m a student of Ms. Buffa, and as I write this, she’s visiting a close family member in the hospital. What she doesn't know is that our class is secretly preparing a surprise for her on Monday, May 5th — but more on that later.

I speak for all of us when I say: Ms. Buffa has been the most caring, dedicated, and selfless teacher we’ve ever had. She wasn’t just a teacher — she was our mentor, our guide, and honestly, like a second mother to many of us. Some of us even accidentally call her “mom” in class. That’s how much she cared.

She shared news stories daily to keep us aware of the world, gave us advice like:

“If you can be anything — be kind.”

“You never know how you’re affecting someone.”

And when life got hard, she always checked on her students first — before herself.

But now, she’s the one who needs checking on.

Without sharing too much to respect her privacy, Ms. Buffa is going through one of the darkest times in her life. A family member has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and she’s facing the heart-wrenching decision no one ever wants to make. On top of that, she’s been told she’s being let go from her job.

This afternoon, I visited her classroom after school — and what I saw broke my heart. Ms. Buffa couldn’t stop crying. The weight she’s carrying is unbearable, and it’s time we carry some of it for her.

Even with this and her own critical health conditions, she can't do this alone.

That’s why we’re asking for your help.

Our class is trying to raise funds to support Ms. Buffa — to help with medical bills, mental health support, and maybe even give her a much-needed vacation. We want to surprise her on Monday with this gift — to remind her she’s not alone, that she is loved, and that the world hasn’t forgotten her kindness.

Please, if you can, donate. Share. Send love. Let’s give back to the teacher who’s given so much.

If you can't pay —pray.

Anything helps.

With gratitude,

A grateful student