Miss Mary has been a beloved member of the Homestead Family since 2001, serving our school as a paraprofessional for twenty-five years. She knows almost all of our students by name, and countless families know and love her right back. She has always cherished her morning and afternoon crosswalk duty, making sure every student gets a signature fist bump, chicken wing, or high five. Now, due to her health, she needs to stay indoors to keep warm, and she truly misses greeting and saying goodbye to our Huskies each day.

Recently, Miss Mary received a difficult diagnosis: stage three cancer. She has already undergone a major surgery that kept her out of work for three weeks, and she is now beginning chemotherapy and iron infusions. She just received the bill for her first surgery, and she is responsible for $5,800 out of pocket. These treatments will leave her exhausted, weak, and often very sick. Many of her appointments fall during the school day, requiring her to miss work without pay, creating financial strain during an already overwhelming time.

Our Husky community is coming together to support someone who has cared for our students, staff, and families for more than two decades. We are launching a GoFundMe to help provide Miss Mary with relief and comfort as she faces this unexpected journey.

Any amount, big or small, makes a difference and is deeply appreciated.