Teacher’s Troubles
Donation protected
After an exciting, adventurous 15 years as a flight attendant, I decided to change my career to teaching, so as to do something more meaningful with my life. I earned my college degree, teacher’s credential and master’s degree and for 14
years led a fulfilling life as a 3rd grade teacher.
Before I was eligible for
full retirement, I had no choice but to resign due to illness and diagnosis
of kidney cancer that had spread to my spine. Had I been able to work until I was 70, I would have received my full pension and social security. Early retirement, plus the pension cuts for teachers, reduced my income by more than half what I’d expected. I lost my home.
A few years later, while fighting cancer, I was rear ended by a truck. The impact aggravated my spinal tumor and, shortly after, I was unable to walk or even get in a car and am now confined to bed.
To add insult to injury, my tooth broke off. It was a cap that I’d first gotten
when a senior in high school. I broke my tooth in the 6th grade and had to go 6 years with a missing front tooth, which was a constant source of mortification. During that time, I was called, “Snaggle Tooth,” and other ugly names I’m now reminded of every time I look in the mirror.
What I need now is transfer equipment, a Hoyle Lift, to get me in and out of bed and the wheel chair, funds for medical transport, and assistance to get me to
and from doctor’s appointments. Last but not least, I’d like to be able to get
to the dentist’s office so that I may fix my tooth and not go on feeling like I
did as a child- ashamed of my own smile.
My daughter built a wheelchair ramp and her friend gave me a scooter, so now I’m focusing on being able to use them. With your contributions, I can get the additional equipment and assistance to be able to continue cancer treatment and fix my tooth.
years led a fulfilling life as a 3rd grade teacher.
Before I was eligible for
full retirement, I had no choice but to resign due to illness and diagnosis
of kidney cancer that had spread to my spine. Had I been able to work until I was 70, I would have received my full pension and social security. Early retirement, plus the pension cuts for teachers, reduced my income by more than half what I’d expected. I lost my home.
A few years later, while fighting cancer, I was rear ended by a truck. The impact aggravated my spinal tumor and, shortly after, I was unable to walk or even get in a car and am now confined to bed.
To add insult to injury, my tooth broke off. It was a cap that I’d first gotten
when a senior in high school. I broke my tooth in the 6th grade and had to go 6 years with a missing front tooth, which was a constant source of mortification. During that time, I was called, “Snaggle Tooth,” and other ugly names I’m now reminded of every time I look in the mirror.
What I need now is transfer equipment, a Hoyle Lift, to get me in and out of bed and the wheel chair, funds for medical transport, and assistance to get me to
and from doctor’s appointments. Last but not least, I’d like to be able to get
to the dentist’s office so that I may fix my tooth and not go on feeling like I
did as a child- ashamed of my own smile.
My daughter built a wheelchair ramp and her friend gave me a scooter, so now I’m focusing on being able to use them. With your contributions, I can get the additional equipment and assistance to be able to continue cancer treatment and fix my tooth.
Organizer
Linda Larson
Organizer
Indio, CA
