Irvine Teacher battling Leukemia

Many of you know this much loved elementary teacher from Irvine School District. I first met Donna in 1990 and worked with her at 2 different schools. She is always remembered by her students as being loving and creative. She has the ability to make every child feel very special. Donna has always taken her health seriously. I remember she introduced me to my first zucchini patty! In addition, she actively participated in a boot camp training program and is a fitness enthusiast. She needed to be to keep up with her 2nd and 3rd graders. So it hit her like a ton of bricks when, in May, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This is a common blood cancer in children and far less common and dangerous for older adults. (Sorry Donna about the "older adult" reference). Looking at her photo you would never guess. For the last 3 months she has endured chemotherapy which has left her emaciated and weak and there is more to come. Then there are the frequent trips to the ER. All this is rapidly draining her small savings. Though she has health insurance, as of now her out of pocket expenses are over $20,000 and the stress of paying the bills is adding to an already scary situation. Donna is doing her best with remote teaching and is determined to not let her students down. She will always put on a cheery smile no matter what.  She was born to be in the classroom and students who had her 30 years ago speak fondly of her today. Donna needs our help and I am asking you to make a donation of as much and as frequently as you can. The kids need her.