Hi, my name is Rebecca Knowles, and I am fundraising for my friend Margie, aka Ms. Milburn. Margie is one of the most hard-working, selfless, caring, and determined teachers I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Although she is a strong advocate for her students and her school, she would never ask for anything for herself. That is why I am asking for her.

I met Margie almost 15 years ago when we were new AVID coordinators together: she at a middle school, and I a high school. AVID is a program whose mission is to support all students in being prepared for success in college and career. Margie was both AVID coordinator and AVID elective teacher. This meant that, for her students, she was equal parts teacher, counselor, mentor, caregiver, cheerleader, and cruise director. It also brought us together as we worked to transition our students from middle school to high school.

Two years ago, Margie was convinced to join our staff by our principal. She is a huge fan of Margie's, having worked with her to achieve AVID National Demonstration School status at their middle school. Now, Margie and I are working together at our high school to support students in preparing for their successful futures after high school. She is an indispensable part of our staff and my team, and genuinely one of my favorite people.

Here is why I am asking for your help. About two years ago, Margie was diagnosed with metastatic endometrial (Uterine) cancer. She was knocked out with some pretty intense treatments, but up until this past fall, she was on the mend. In October she began to have some major side effects from her treatment, and by the time November rolled around she was struggling. Things were so bad that she took two separate trips, via ambulance, to the emergency room in the fall. Thinking the immunotherapy was to blame, her doctors paused treatment. Unfortunately, a new issue emerged, and Margie ended up in surgery to remove her gallbladder at the beginning of the spring semester. Then, just when she was cleared to return to work, new problems were found, leading to more hospital visits, invasive tests, and a day-by-day, hour-by-hour uncertainty as to whether she would spend her day at school, at home, or in the hospital.

Through it all, Margie has continued to put her students and her teaching before herself. Unfortunately, sometimes she doesn't have a choice and is forced to be away from her students. Adding to this heartache, Margie is completely out of sick leave and support from the sick leave bank, so she doesn't get paid for days she isn't at school. She must take time off throughout this semester so she can rest and recover. Her students, our school, and I need her to begin next year strong and healthy.

Your donated funds will pay for the loss of income for two days per week for the rest of the school year and allow Margie to prioritize herself and her health.