Hi, I am writing on behalf of my dearest friend, Caitlin. To know her is to love her. Simply put, she is one of the best human beings you could possibly ever meet. For the past 10 years she has been a Special Education Teacher working with students with significant cognitive disabilities. She constantly puts her job and her students' needs before her own, that's exactly the type of person she is. Caitlin also works a second job as a therapist for children with autism, and somehow still finds time to coach sports and sponsor clubs. 


For the past 10 years she has also been silently battling soft tissue cancer. When I say silently, I mean completely on her own, trying her best to keep it to herself and not “impose” her pain or suffering on the people around her. She has been through things that nobody should ever have to go through, and she went through it alone. Caitlin continues to deal with obstacles related to her cancer, but unless you are in her close circle of friends, you would never know. Over the past few years she has done weekly overnight hospital stays and early morning radiation sessions, while still making sure she can make it to her classroom on time. Not once will you ever hear Caitlin complain about any of this. For someone going through something so unimaginable she still remains the most positive person I know. 


On December 19th, Caitlin found out she was exposed through her work. After taking all the necessary precautions to protect herself since she is considered immunocompromised, Caitlin tested positive for COVID. Her intention was to go see her doctors and get antibiotics and an IV, however her body started shutting down. Caitlin is in the ICU fighting for her life. She has a large support group praying for her daily. Every single nurse I have spoken with is blown away by her strength and determination. She is a fighter, and easily the strongest person I know.


Caitlin has been on and off a vent, and in and out of consciousness. Her body is having a hard time fighting off COVID due to also trying to fight different parts of her cancer at the same time. It goes without saying that her medical bills are already unmanageable, and they are only growing. With the uncertainty of the length of her hospital stay, and being forced to take an unpaid leave in her new district, we are asking for your help. Caitlin is our superhero. She makes this world a better place just by being a part of it. She means everything to me and I can’t imagine losing her. I understand that times are hard for everyone right now, but any donation for Caitlin is so greatly appreciated. When she beats this, because we know she WILL, we hope to be able to alleviate a fraction of the weight on her shoulders. Thank you for considering helping our superhero! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers!