USN tuition for Shelbie Freeman
When I was a teenager, my life was changed in a fundamental way when I arrived at University School of Nashville, not only because of the worldclass education I received, but because of lifelong friendships I made, including the one and only Shelbie Freeman, who casts an indelible imprint on everyone she meets with her charm, beauty, warmth, and sharp wit. Shelbie never hesitated to reach out to others despite her position on the top of the often difficult to navigate highschool social food chain.
Now, she needs the help of all of us who knew and know her and anyone else who is touched by her story and can help. Shelbie has terminal cancer. She currently cannot work due to the physical toll the cancer and treatment has taken on her. She has two young, school age daughters, Maeleigh and Maya. Maleigh is five years old and has been accepted into USN for kindergarten for the 2017-2018 school year, but no financial aid is currently available. Tuition is approximately $20,000 per year. We are hopeful that if Maeleigh can attend this year, in the future there will be additional financial aid and financial support available to assist her in continuing her education at USN and perhaps her sibling, Maya as well.
There is an upcoming March 31 deadline for a tuition deposit, so we ask for your most urgent generosity.
In her own words, here's Shelbie with why it's so important to her that her children have the USN community as support in the coming months and years:
As a USN Alum, I know what an excellent education can be had at USN. However, the education my children can receive there is not the only reason for my interest. What is vital to me for my children is the community and support systems that will be available to them in the future.
In 2013, I was diagnosed with terminal inflammatory breast cancer with metastasis to the liver, lungs, and bones. I went through chemotherapy with some success, but I will never be in remission as I have a terminal disease. In 2015 I went through radiation treatment for multiple brain tumors. I am currently undergoing treatment for additional brain tumors diagnosed in February 2017.
I don't know how long I will live, and my oncology team will not speculate, but I want my child to have to the close, loving support of the friends and teachers that I had as a student at USN. I am still friends with so many people that I knew from USN and they have offered me a loving, supportive environment, which is pretty phenomenal and fortunate for me as both my parents are deceased and I have no siblings.
In 2012, my 17-month-old daughter Carys died of SUDC, so our family has already suffered through tremendous loss. I have tried to be a good parent in spite of the most painful and devastating grief I experienced with the loss of my child, but the fact remains that I have a terminal disease, which will kill me sooner or later. I would like to provide as many happy memories and support for my children as I possibly can and I believe they can find that at University School.
It is not easy for me to ask this of you, but I would be so appreciative if you would be able to assist financially to help me send Maeleigh to USN this year while I continue to explore ways that I can make this work for my family in the future. Thank you for anything you can contribute. 
