One thing that stands out most about Amy Rocheleau is that she always has family or close friends that she considers family nearby. She is a lover, a talker, energetic, kind and most importantly a friend to everyone that crosses her path. Amy is my oldest and dearest friend. We had our first sleepover when our older sisters did, at a young age, and Amy has been like a sibling to me ever since. Her energy and positivity is radiant and has always been a guiding light through my many phases of life. I feel blessed to have had her by my side as I navigated my youth and then continuing into the college years and beyond. Amy moved to the California coast shortly after I did and although we didn’t live in the same town, we visited each other frequently. It was on one of those visits in Santa Cruz, CA where she met her husband, Pete!

For the past 16 years she has been teaching both middle and high school students. First at Herman Middle School and currently Leigh High School. At both of these places, she also built a family of friends that have helped her to create a home on the West Coast. Her students are lucky to be touched by her presence because her energy and passion is truly unmatched by any other educator I know. Her passion for the English language is incredible and she is always finding creative ways to keep the kids engaged and on task. She has absolutely brightened the lives of many students and colleagues in her career as a teacher here in California.

Amy’s most important life role has been devoted wife to Pete and mother to her three incredible children, Charlie, Jolie and Cy. It’s been an adventurous few years for the Rocheleau family after welcoming Charlie into their home in 2016 and then shortly after twins, Jolie and Cy in April of 2018. But as has been present through most of her life, no challenge is too great for a Gillis. I mean Rocheleau.

Amy was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer that will require a year or more of treatment.

Now it is time to show Amy we are her family too and to help the Rocheleaus navigate this next journey in their lives. As the Rocheleaus take on this fight, we hope that you can help ease their worries. Amy will be taking a leave of absence from teaching while Pete will likely also have to step back from his work to help manage home life and care for their kids. These funds will be used for supporting the family’s general expenses, groceries, household items, childcare, bills and of course medical bills. Any contribution you are able to give will be greatly appreciated by the family in the days and weeks to come.

Please also share your thoughts and any positive message you would like to send to Amy and the Rocheleau clan. And remember ThinkShrink and let’s all pray that Amy makes a timely and full recovery.