I met Renaé over 30 years ago in college. This year was to be our 30th college reunion. Bard College seems an eon ago, but there are days it feels like yesterday. I can still hear her tell jokes.

There is much to tell about “Naé” and there are closer people to tell her story, so I will be brief.

Renaé deserves a better fate than the fates have given her. She’s worked hard all her life; she excelled at her job at Bard High School Early College, fought for the rights of many, raised a son, and recently earned her Master’s degree in Education while working full time. She’s kept true to friends and colleagues and causes, and never backed off from a challenge. But some challenges you don’t expect.

Renaé has stage 4 liver cancer. There is no cure for this. She is only in her 50s.

She and her young son, Seth, need our help. We are raising money for them both.

Her medical challenges are such that she needs to be close to her hospital for dialysis and immunotherapy treatment. The money will be spent to cover her stay near the hospital and to support her son, who is just starting his future in college.

The funds will be sent to her friend Erin Law, who is working with Renaé and her family. Like me, Erin has known Renaé for over 30 years, but unlike me, she lives in New York where she can better facilitate these resources.

For those of you who know “Naé,” donating goes without saying. For those of you who don’t know her, you will help restore a kindness to a remarkable person, who has made a difference in the lives of many.

Thank you for your donation,

John