Support Renee Catchings' Healing Journey

Stephen Sawyers is organising this fundraising appeal on behalf of Renee Catchings.

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Renee Catchings, a dedicated educator, advocate for individuals with special needs, and loving mother and friend.

Renee worked with special needs children and young adults for almost 20 years before her career began to take a turn no one ever saw coming. Renee suffered 3 concussions (story described below) at the hands of students. As a result, she has been diagnosed with Post Concussive Syndrome, anxiety, mild depression, PTSD, and Aphasia which has left her unable to continue her beloved career.

Despite her significant contributions and many years of service, the school districts provided limited support financially and emotionally, leaving Renee facing a challenging and uncertain future ahead. Her injuries have not only hindered her physical abilities but have also impacted her cognitive function. Finding employment has become increasingly difficult due to her condition, making it impossible for her to maintain her previous standard of living. Renee is a divorced single mother with 2 children, 1 in middle school and another a high school junior. This is a crucial time in all of their lives. Renee spends most of her days attending neurocognitive rehabilitation, low vision occupational therapy, and counseling to help her heal and start a new life.

Renee's passion for teaching was evident in her classroom, she was well respected by her peers for her expertise, and her students and families adored her. Now, we have the opportunity to show her the same love and support she gave to others. Let's help Renee get back on her feet and provide her with the resources she needs to heal and thrive. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference. Join us in supporting this incredible woman who has dedicated her life to educating young minds.

Read more of her story below:

September 2021 while working as the transition coordinator within a day treatment program for students with severe emotional impairments in Oakland county, Michigan, Renee was physically assaulted by a high school student resulting in concussion. She was treated for her injuries and returned to work. The student was suspended for a few days then allowed to return to school. Even though she was experiencing minor symptoms from the concussion she continued to show up to work and give it her best. She knew her students and team depended on her.

Fast forward almost one month later. The school was short staffed at lunch and like many times in the past Renee volunteered to support student lunch in the high school. Everything was going smoothly until there was a crisis situation and then classes changed. Now the same student who assaulted Renee the previous month was in this class and Renee was the only adult present. There was a brief verbal exchange between the 2 because he wanted to leave the room to find a book but students aren’t allowed to wander unsupervised. Once he was told he could not leave and had to wait for another adult he punched Renee in the head. Once again she was concussed and treated by medical professionals but this time she would not return to work until June even though she didn’t feel supported or safe. The student was removed from the program.

The district attempted to prevent her return by denying her necessary accommodations, forcing her out on unpaid leave for months. Feeling like there was no other option she resigned and took another position as a special education teacher within a nearby school district. Renee returned to her first love direction instruction. It had been years since she taught but gave it a good effort and found joy in her new setting. February 2023 while escorting a student in crisis, Renee was tripped and fell backwards hitting her head on the floor. She was sent to the hospital for care and once again she suffered a concussion. From that day forward things never got better. After a neuropsych evaluation she learned the hard truth that it would take hours and hours of therapy to improve her condition and she would likely never be the same. She resigned again and said farewell to teaching. Now she is on a mission to create a new life for her and her children.