Hello, my name is Nichole Beer. I am an elementary teacher in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

On October 17th, 2021, tragedy struck our school community. Iziah Thompson, a 5th-grade student at my school, was involved in an evening firework incident in which he lost his right hand and complete mobility in his left hand.

 

Iziah was off school for the rest of the semester, but he was never far from our thoughts. He also has a little brother in Kindergarten and a sister in 1st grade who both attend our school.

 

I have known Iziah and his family since he was in Kindergarten. Iziah has an infectious shy smile and always has a kind word to say. No, really, this kid is a sweetie.

 

Iziah's insurance will only pay for a prosthetic hand that cannot move, primarily just for show or aesthetics. He needs a hand in which he can fully participate in life, school, activities, etc. Currently, the students are learning to play recorders, and if he had the advanced technology hand, he would be able to participate and annoy those around him with recorder practice, as we all did.

 

The fully interactive hand costs $50,000 +. the family has no means to pay for this. I added to the total requested because they are already putting out a great deal of money and will continue to for many years to come.

 

They say, "you'll never raise that much". I say, "just watch us."