Shortell Family Support
Donation protected
Amy and Tom Shortell are well known figures in the Lehigh Valley community. Many have seen Amy, Morning Call photographer, toting her heavy photo equipment everywhere from Bangor to Kutztown to shoot news assignments and sports, while husband Tom writes the paper's popular Road Warrior column, now updating neighbors on how to vote in the 2020 election.
As a couple starting their family in the Valley, they've dedicated many years to The Morning Call, staying late to cover important breaking news, features, and concerts - missing countless holidays and family events to serve their communities.
The Morning Call is not showing them the same dedication. Amy is pregnant with their second child, and Tribune Publishing, the owner of The Morning Call, said they could not follow her doctor's simple recommendations for a safe pregnancy and keep her full time after taking a month to review and make a decision.
During the last few weeks of Amy's pregnancy her employer Tribune Publishing has demanded she go from working full time to working reduced hours rather than honor her doctors note with third trimester health restrictions during the remaining 4 weeks of her pregnancy. This creates a significant financial hardship during a time when Amy's salary is needed most to continue saving for expenses during leave, out of pocket medical expenses for delivery, daycare, and more. By being moved to reduced hours Amy is losing $1,644.00 over the next 4 weeks.
To put this in perspective- out of pocket costs for a c-section will cost $2,045 just by itself which would wipe out almost all the money Amy has currently saved for leave. Right now we are paying $95 a week to preserve our toddlers daycare spot. This will go back to full price in February when Amy returns to work and both children go to daycare full-time. Full-time for 2 children is $390 a week.
These funds would be used to offset medical expenses and financial losses incurred due to lost income to help support our growing family during a time when Amy will not be receiving her full salary now and while out on leave.
As a couple starting their family in the Valley, they've dedicated many years to The Morning Call, staying late to cover important breaking news, features, and concerts - missing countless holidays and family events to serve their communities.
The Morning Call is not showing them the same dedication. Amy is pregnant with their second child, and Tribune Publishing, the owner of The Morning Call, said they could not follow her doctor's simple recommendations for a safe pregnancy and keep her full time after taking a month to review and make a decision.
During the last few weeks of Amy's pregnancy her employer Tribune Publishing has demanded she go from working full time to working reduced hours rather than honor her doctors note with third trimester health restrictions during the remaining 4 weeks of her pregnancy. This creates a significant financial hardship during a time when Amy's salary is needed most to continue saving for expenses during leave, out of pocket medical expenses for delivery, daycare, and more. By being moved to reduced hours Amy is losing $1,644.00 over the next 4 weeks.
To put this in perspective- out of pocket costs for a c-section will cost $2,045 just by itself which would wipe out almost all the money Amy has currently saved for leave. Right now we are paying $95 a week to preserve our toddlers daycare spot. This will go back to full price in February when Amy returns to work and both children go to daycare full-time. Full-time for 2 children is $390 a week.
These funds would be used to offset medical expenses and financial losses incurred due to lost income to help support our growing family during a time when Amy will not be receiving her full salary now and while out on leave.
Fundraising team (2)
Amy Shortell
Organiser
Northampton, PA
Tom Shortell
Team member
