Team Poulin- No One Fights Alone

45 Year Old Mainer, Shalimar Poulin, Battles Breast Cancer

Diagnosed with Breast Cancer on March 20th 2015- Her2neu positive, aggressive and invasive. Treatment involves pre-surgery aggresive chemo, surgery, radiation, and eight months of post-surgery chemo. 

 Wiscasset's Team Poulin Gathers Round Their Teacher

Twenty year teacher, kidney donor, former triathlete, in Week 18 of a 52 Week treatment. Thankful for the support of partner Scott Hunt, family, friends, colleagues and students, and learning a lot about what really matters. 
Wiscasset News Article

Treatment performed by Alfond Center Augusta with Dana Farber supports.
Visit Carepages To Read More About Shalimar's Journey

"In this new world, Scotti and I fumble through each day cheerishing the moments when I feel well enough and enduring those that test our character and will. We are grateful that we live in a time when a serious illness, like Cancer, is not only treatable- but curable. We are hopeful that in a year's time, we will look forward to the many healthy years ahead to enjoy together."


  Pre-treatment Photo- Easter 2015 Scott and Shalimar

In response to requests for an on-line donation platform, we offer this gofundme page for those wishing to support us financially. We are unsure of what our total medical costs will be and if there will be extended time out of work. We are finding that, despite decent health insurance coverage, there are costs beyond what the insurance will pay.  Anthem, for example, has denied a Dana Farber second opinion claim. We have learned to accept the humility needed to ask for help and welcome assistance with the financial burden long term illness brings. We know the road ahead is unknown and thank you for your support.


At Alfond Center For Cancer- Receiving Chemotherapy



                          Shalimar and Therapy Pup Skye

A tribute from former colleague and friend Jacqui Finn:

"No one teaches alone...
I met Shal in 1999 as a rookie teacher at SHHS. She took me under her wing and helped me through the toughest year of a young teacher's life. She wasn't assigned to be my mentor-- she just saw an isolated, scared teacher and wanted to help.
No one runs alone...
The 2000 Broad Street 10 Miler was bloody hot. I fell apart at about mile 8. Even though Shal would have finished among the top women, she stayed with me until I practically crawled across the finish line.
That's the kind of mentor, coach, friend, and teacher she is. If you're lost, she will help you find your way. If you're weak, she will carry you.
-J"

Learned today, July 26th, that Mary Jacques (ELHS classmate) ran the Tri for A Cure, South Portland Maine wearing my name on her bib. Thank you Bethie (Hackett-Sutherland) for suggesting she carry me today! Thanks to Mary for honoring this former triathlete with your performance and heart. This Channel 8 piece expresses nicely the amazing event that this has become. 
http://www.wmtw.com/health/hundreds-of-women-to-take-part-in-tri-for-a-cure/34361186
Watching the event has encouraged me to train for it once I am Cancer free. I thought I was done racing, but, I saw the broadcast and would love to be a part of this event in future. Ra Ra Tris!
Shalimar


My sister is an amazing woman; a gifted teacher who has devoted herself to her career and her students; a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, and auntie who is loved and cherished by her family; a great friend who gives so much of herself.  I have looked up to my sister since childhood and as she faces this fight against cancer I am awed by her strength and determination.  I know in my heart she will beat this; however, this fight comes at a cost...mental, physical, and financial.  I am so happy that she has made the decision to launch this page.  Thanks to all who have already given.  I am so amazed at the support shown in just two days!  I pray that this will continue until her goal is met.  I think I can speak for our entire family when I say that we all will sleep better knowing that Shalimar may come out of this with her head above water.  We are so blessed!  Thank you!
Valori

"I just made a small donation to support and thank Team Shalimar. It seems like another world when my son refused to sleep, refused to attend school, and perhaps "refused" is the wrong word because his anxiety would not allow him to succeed. Scott Hunt used his calm nature and every teaching/coaching tool to support my child into finding his place. Scott even matched teachers to my son's learning style to assist him with continued success. I briefly worked in Scott's room before he taught my son and I saw his influence give control and responsibility back to students who felt powerless. If a child had the opportunity to work with Scott than the child had a shot at success. Scott and Shalimar need money to support their health challenges. Please share wildly with everyone and give back to the Life Changers." Elizabeth Nitzel

"Nothing is more heartbreaking then finding out your favorite teacher, biggest mentor and someone you care deeply about is fighting one of the hardest battles to fight. I spend almost everyday and after school with Ms. Poulin and she never once got sick of me! Take a minute and read her story and donate if you can. I know you can get through this Ms. Poulin!!!" Jessica Patnaude- GAHS Class of 2011