The dancing school crossing guard

Hi my name is Sheryl, preferred Mischelle.

I am a school crossing guard and honestly love what I do. The community I serve greatly appreciates me and the work I do.

On June 13th 2022 while helping school children cross the street safely; a driver failed to stop at a 4-way cross walk while the children and I were in the middle of the road. As he yelled and cursed me, the driver proceeded through the crosswalk and hit me with his truck and left the scene.

Despite me having to deal with physical and mental issues related to this incident, I was forced back to work within a few days. I found it very difficult to return to the location where I was injured but I still continued to work keeping the children safe. During this time I was experience physical discomfort flashbacks, back pain, anxiety, lack of sleep and going through the emotions.

A few months after the incident my condition gradually worsened. On October 29, 2022 the pain became extremely intolerable. Pain/muscle relievers were no longer working, the pain worsened to the point where I was admitted to the hospital. Shortly after my initial release from the hospital, I started having issues which affected my mobility. I was readmitted to the hospital, and then transferred to a rehab hospital. I have spent over a month now, working on managing the pain, walking and improving my physical strength.

My application for financial support from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) was unfortunately denied so I will not be receiving any financial assistance for my personal and medical expenses. To effectively rehab my current injuries and prevent any further setbacks; I require various disability aids such as: positioning devices, walking sticks, crutches, and wheeled walkers etc. I cannot return home without the equipment, therefore; I am asking for the public’s assistance with expenses related to the equipment and services needed for my return home and recovery. I would love nothing more than to get back to work keeping children safe. Every little bit helps and I thank you in advance.

Your community crossing guard.