Heather and I have known each other for about 20 years, working closely together as ENL teachers in the PCSD. Over the years, Heather has become not just a colleague, but a dear friend. She gives so much of herself to her students, friends, and family, always willing to lend a hand or a listening ear. Heather has chaired fundraisers for nonprofit charities like Sparrow's Nest and is the first to volunteer her time to anyone in need, yet she rarely asks for help for herself.

On December 3rd, Heather's daughter, Zarianna, was in a horrific car accident. Zarianna sustained life-threatening injuries and was air-lifted to a trauma center, where she is being treated for a traumatic brain injury with concussion, short term memory loss, lacerations, bruised lungs and other bruising, swelling and multiple fractures—including her neck in two places, back (thoracic spine T1-6), most of her ribs, sternum, scapula, humerus and a severely broken clavicle. Some of her fractures require surgery, but she must wait until her more serious neck and back injuries heal. Zarianna is in unbearable pain and will need to be moved to an acute rehabilitation facility when she is strong enough to leave the hospital. This is going to be a long and difficult road to recovery, and Heather needs to be by her daughter's side every step of the way.

Currently, Heather is staying in a hotel near the hospital and will need to find a place to stay near Zarianna's rehab facility. She will have to take an unpaid leave of absence from work to care for her daughter. Heather and her husband, Dave, also have two younger children at home. Dave is doing his best to juggle work, caring for the younger children, and being present at the hospital. The cost of food, travel, hotels, medical expenses, and medical equipment to make Zarianna comfortable when she is finally able to come home is already adding up quickly. As if this wasn't enough, both Dave and his daughter (who is helping take care of the younger siblings) had separate car accidents involving deer on the Thursday after Zarianna's accident. These accidents caused expensive damage to their vehicles and rendered one unusable. These unexpected expenses, combined with Heather's loss of income, are a huge financial burden that only adds to the stress and heartbreak this family is experiencing.

Heather is always the first person to offer help to others in need—whether it's financial, physical, or emotional support. Now, I am asking for help for Heather and her family. If ever there was a situation that required the loving kindness and generosity of a community, this is it. Please help me support Heather and her family, and please keep Zarianna in your prayers. Thank you!