Main fundraiser photo

Mrs. Dorsey Misses Her Students

I have been struggling with malignant brain tumors since 2009. I have tried a lot of different chemo treatments, while continuing to teach 6th graders. The tumors kept returning though.

(At Washington D.C.)

In November 2015, a new and more aggressive brain tumor attacked and none of the treatments were working. I missed a lot of work, but was able to stay in my classroom. 

(Celebrating then end of a school year)

In September 2017, I started yet another treatment and after my first dose, it put me in the hospital for a week. I have not been able to return to work since September 18th. It is an unpaid medical leave, so I have not received a pay check since then. Because of this treatment and additional steroids that go with it, I have a hard time moving around and even a harder time with talking, writing, and reading. I'm not even myself right now and when I do go to the school for paperwork and such, my students don't even recognize me right now.

(I don't even look like me right now)

The "good news" in this is that this treatment seems to be working, but I am not going to be able to return to work in order to teach my students because of the side effects. It is going to be about a year until I can return to my classroom. I am waiting to return with the energy I had before this began taking away the real me.

(This student asked me to wear his jersey for the plan off game)

I am having to pay the school district's part of my medical insurance, plus my regular house, car, utilities, etc bills. In addition to those I have medical bills for medicine, chemo treatments every other week, weekly labs, and travel to Duke University for my MRIs and appointments with my neuro-oncologist.

(These wonderful girls are now seniors!)

My husband's job has been really slow, and we are close to losing the house and car (which is how I get to all of my treatments). We hate asking for help, but it is to the point where we really have no choice. In order for me to heal, I need help to pay for my doctor's appointments, treatments, tests, medicine, and living expenses.

(This gentleman graduated last year, I am still in contact with his mom and him)

Any help you can give will help me get back in my classroom doing what I love to do (without a nasty brain tumor holding me back)!

(These are 2 of my favorite pictures.  The first picture is in Washington D.C. about 8 years ago. They were in the 7th grade on a field trip with me. The picture next to it is the same 4 boys, but they were on a cruise to celebrate high school graduation. They invited me to go with them along as a few of their moms)

I care about my students even after they have graduated high school and college. All of these former students (among hundreds more) have been my cheerleaders since the very beginning of my struggle. If anyone can find it in their heart to help me get the treatments I need so that I can grow with and influence the next generation, please know that I can never thank you enough, and neither can my future students.

(High School graduation for one of students. I surprised her, along with many more students that day, and have now made it habit to go to these gradations)
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Donations 

  • Gale Ashmore
    • $200 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer

Faith Thompson Dorsey
Organizer
Aiken, SC

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