Marilyn Harris

Hi, I'm Celia Baker and I'm fundraising for my friend Dr. Marilyn Harris (that's me on the left). Marilyn was my high school English literature teacher back in 1984-85 – nearly 40 years ago! She’s one of those teachers we all remember with respect and gratitude.

Many classmates responded to a recent FB post (the Marilyn & me selfie) and shared about the impact she had on their careers / their lives. I feel the same … Marilyn and I became close friends over the years.

Marilyn taught at Morrow High School (the same school where my Dad taught Chemistry until he died) where she helped numerous students until she retired.

Marilyn is now in her 80s and recently had a stroke that left her with mobility issues. She's doing her best to get back to normal, but the stroke has severely limited her ability to get around. As you might imagine, keeping up with life's chores has not been possible. That’s where we can help. Her apartment needs some attention to improve her quality of life … things she can’t do herself.

I'm raising money to help get Marilyn's apartment in better condition (clean and safe) and some other services she needs (legal, pet grooming, etc.). Since we started this campaign, we have been blessed with some amazing people who have stepped up and volunteered to perform some of the work personally to reduce the total cost of services we were expecting to pay for which will allow us to do more with the money we raise. First, a former student of Marilyn’s has volunteered to donate their services to professionally clean and sanitize the floors throughout her apartment ($800 value). A second former student has volunteered to draft her will, healthcare directives, and POA for free (at least a $1500 value)! Thanks to these services being donated, it means more money can be used to provide other services. Other things on the to-do list: possibly adding grab bars in the bathroom/shower (if needed), pet grooming service, and periodic housekeeping services to keep her apartment in order with any remaining funds. The more money we raise, the longer we can help her with recurring cleaning and quality-of-life services!

Marilyn was one of those teachers that made a lasting impact that stayed with her students. It’s been an honor to hear about the impact Marilyn has had on so many of you! Thanks to all of you for sharing yourself and contributing what you can to support the effort!