Hope for Hempel
Many know Michelle Hempel is not a stranger to health challenges due to her diabetes. On December 26th she embarked on the most life altering challenge yet when she had surgery to amputate her leg (below the knee) in order to save her life. Michelle is meeting this obstacle with a smile, humor, and optimism as usual but she has a long road of healing and therapy ahead of her. The doctors are unsure of when she will be able to return to teaching and her family is figuring out what modifications their home will need to make things easier and safer for her.
Michelle brings smiles, laughter, and joy to her classroom, co-workers, friends and family! Let's come together and give back as she has given to us and our children!!
Update - We MET our first goal in 2 days!!! I am very proud of this incredible community of people who know and love the Hempel family!! WAY TO GO!! Shawn and Michelle are overwhelmed with the support and feeling a HUGE weight lifted knowing they won't have to worry as much about her unpaid time off work or all the extra expenses. Their whole family is definitely feeling loved and blessed! THANK YOU!!
As Michelle moves from the hospital into transitional care today let's keep this going!! There are so many unknowns about length of time off of work or things she will need. Just today they found out she will need a custom fit wheelchair and a special ramp made. We can continue to help her completely focus on her rehabilitation!! Let's shatter a new goal!! Thank you again to each and every one that has donated and sent prayers! Keep sharing!
UPDATE - 11 days and your donations keep pouring in which puts us over $14,000!!! Only $935 away from our 2nd goal!!! AMAZING!!
The Hempel family is completely humbled by your generosity, encouraged by each comment, and feeling so blessed with every prayer sent!! They would like you to know how much they appreciate each one that has supported them in any way!!
The BIG news is Michelle made it home today!!! She is beyond thrilled after 21 days in the hospital/transitional care!
(check out the updated photos)
THANK YOU again for your incredible generosity!! These are just a few of the things YOU have made possible:
1. Michelle's custom wheelchair that is able to fit through all their doors!
2. The materials for her wheelchair ramp being built today by some awesome volunteers!
3. Many other handicap house accommodations!
4. Helping Michelle completely focus on her recovery/rehab instead of worrying about her unpaid time off of work!
YOU have made a difference!!
UPDATE - "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." ~ Helen Keller
WE did it!!! We reached our second goal of $15,000!!! THANK YOU for caring, supporting and sharing!! YOU should all be very proud of how much you have made a difference!!
