My name is Katherine and I am starting this Go Fund Me to help my friend, Rebekah DiGiacomo. Rebekah is an award winning Arkansas high school science teacher, active volunteer in her community, dependable friend, and a devoted mother to an incredible teen. 

In 2023, our friend granted guardianship of her daughter to a trusted family member due to a medical emergency requiring hospitalization and intensive recovery. Despite full recovery within a year and a glowing record prior to her emergency, Rebekah has been denied contact and time with her daughter even during birthdays and holidays with no explanation. It has taken over a year, three lawyers, and continual effort to gain any traction for reunification. 

For those of us who know Bekah personally, we know how strong and focused she has been through this challenge. Amazingly, she manages to stay kind and understanding, focusing on growth and balance, despite being held away from the most precious part of her life. She continues to dedicate herself to excellence in her classroom and supports those in her community despite the strain of her own Sisyphean circumstances. Phone calls, lunch dates, and emotional support are integral to keeping her spirits high. But there is more we must do to help so that she is not crushed under this incredible burden.

Many of us know firsthand how generous Bekah is, especially when she sees a need. Now we have the opportunity to do the same for her. She is working evening and weekend jobs around teaching full time. It is still not enough. Bankruptcy will quickly approach as the next challenge unless we step in to support. If I know Rebekah, she will give up everything in her name before she gives up on her daughter. She now needs financial support from her community to keep her upright and able to move forward.

I cannot fully express my gratitude to everyone who has been and is now supporting my friend through this time. If you have questions about specifics, please reach out to her by phone or through Facebook. I thank everybody for reading this, considering and chipping in even the smallest amount. If you are not able to give financially, please share with your community. Let’s surround Bekah with love and support as she continues to fight for what is best for her daughter.