Hi,

My name is Edlyn Beckles-Morgan and I met Theresa Luck 20 years ago when i was assigned to her school as a teacher. Her dedication to her students and her genuine heartfelt comradery with her colleagues are 2 qualities I modeled my own teaching experience after, so imagine my devastation when she called in tears yesterday, October 1st, to share the tragic news of her apartment being completely engulfed in flames in the early afternoon hours; they lost everything! It was 'hit and go' for a moment when they had difficulty reaching her 11th grader in his room, but thanks to the FDNY, everyone was able to escape without any physical injuries. This incident was even more traumatic for her as it brought back memories of her father who died in a house fire!

The family is now faced with the challenge of rebuilding their lives and getting the family unit back together under 1 roof; currently the family of 6 is separated, staying with family and friends, one here one there, wherever they can find accommodation...

Her 22 years of total dedication to the students of NYC is worthy of commendation, and it's so unfortunate that when she is on the verge of wrapping up a noble career, and sitting back to watch the fruits of her labor blossom into the new leaders, she is forced to be starting her own life all over again!

Let us join in helping Ms Luck navigate the days and weeks ahead. I'm appealing to all teachers and other persons who empathize with her family's situation to generously contribute to assist Ms. Luck in putting her family unit back together so they can begin healing emotionally. She lived by the motto 'NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND'; let's enact a new motto for ourselves 'NO TEACHER LEFT BEHIND'. Her current students will be devastated tomorrow when she doesn't show up at school and the news of her tragedy breaks. Imagine, in this moment of her own personal despair, the welfare of her students remain at the forefront of her thoughts. Thanks to her principal for stepping in and swiftly making arrangements to have her class covered to ensure her students continue to learn in her absence so 'no student is left behind'.

To those who are not able to contribute financially, please keep the family in your thoughts. As social beings we are more connected than we realize, and just a thought, a wish, a spiritual blessing directed their way may be a guiding light when memories of this unimaginable tragedy unexpectedly come flooding back.

Thanks a lot.