Heather's Medical Fund

My friend and fellow colleague Heather Valdez, a 4th grade math teacher at Williams Ledger Elementary School in Copperas Cove, TX was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer and will be having surgery to remove a large mass later this week.  As a result she will be unable to come back to work until after Thanksgiving.  Due to the fact that she has only been teaching a few years and has teenage children she has not accumulated nor been able to save a large number of sick days.  In our district, we used to be able to donate our days to fellow colleagues in need, but unfortunately we are not given that option at this time.  Therefore, the days that she will be out will result in her pay being docked and will be taken from her check in one lump sum.  On top of that, which is already a hardship for the family,  they will have an unknown amount of medical bills that as we all know will add up quickly.  Heather gives much of her time and energy helping others.  Not only does she give of herself to her classroom students each day, but she is also a 4-H leader and gives of herself to assist those young people in completing their projects and building character traits that will last those kids a lifetime.  I ask that you please consider donating whatever you can to help my friend and her family during this difficult time.  More importantly, I ask that you keep Heather and her family in your prayers during her upcoming surgery and the days and weeks to follow.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.