Helping Hands for Jane
Donation protected
It has been said that, “Everything you Need to Know About Life you Learn in Kindergarten”, or better yet, from an amazing kindergarten teacher. Our dear friend and former kindergarten teacher Jane Concannon, exemplifies that phrase in every sense. She is kind, compassionate, generous, fun, hilarious, honest, loyal, sweet and so, so loving. Like a bright polka dot that never has a frown, a look from Jane can put a huge smile on the face of any child or adult. Jane has always put others before herself and taken time from her own busy life to guide and support colleagues throughout any crisis or incident that needed an extra warm friend or a fresh set of ears. She taught with her whole heart and loved every child she encountered. Jane retired from our beloved school district in 2014, after touching the lives of countess children. She has kept in touch with many of our retirees and current teachers.
Some time ago, our sweet Jane was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. As the community knows too well, this is a horrible disease that works to cripple its victims. While ALS remains a rare disease, there is currently no cure. Attention from the Ice Bucket Challenge, that became popular right around the time Jane was retiring, has helped to fund research critical in developing a new medication to help ALS patients. Even with this new treatment option, the effects cannot be reversed and the average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from the time of diagnosis. However, it does vary greatly.
ALS is also an extremely expensive disease. In 2016, it was estimated that the care of an ALS patient is approximately $200,000 a year. Often, patients require special technology to communicate, medications, therapy, in-home care assistance, surgeries, medical equipment, special wheelchair vehicles and more.
The time has come for us to wrap our arms around Jane to let her feel our love and support. We have spent some time processing the best and most helpful ways we can support our dear friend during this difficult time. Jane’s son Pat and his family have relocated back to Cincinnati to help care for Jane. Jane’s daughter Cara and her family live locally as well, so they are all busy making cherished memories!
We are working to obtain estimates to make some adjustments to Jane’s home to make it wheelchair accessible. We wanted to share Jane’s story and let her many friends know how they can help. At this time we are working to create an online donation platform to reach the most people and those that no longer live in Cincinnati, but have graciously expressed an interest in helping. In the meantime, donations in the form of cash or check can be dropped off to the office at Terrace Park Elementary for Ann McGovern Williams. Checks can be made payable to Pat Concannon (please write “Jane” in the memo).
It takes a Village!
Some time ago, our sweet Jane was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. As the community knows too well, this is a horrible disease that works to cripple its victims. While ALS remains a rare disease, there is currently no cure. Attention from the Ice Bucket Challenge, that became popular right around the time Jane was retiring, has helped to fund research critical in developing a new medication to help ALS patients. Even with this new treatment option, the effects cannot be reversed and the average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from the time of diagnosis. However, it does vary greatly.
ALS is also an extremely expensive disease. In 2016, it was estimated that the care of an ALS patient is approximately $200,000 a year. Often, patients require special technology to communicate, medications, therapy, in-home care assistance, surgeries, medical equipment, special wheelchair vehicles and more.
The time has come for us to wrap our arms around Jane to let her feel our love and support. We have spent some time processing the best and most helpful ways we can support our dear friend during this difficult time. Jane’s son Pat and his family have relocated back to Cincinnati to help care for Jane. Jane’s daughter Cara and her family live locally as well, so they are all busy making cherished memories!
We are working to obtain estimates to make some adjustments to Jane’s home to make it wheelchair accessible. We wanted to share Jane’s story and let her many friends know how they can help. At this time we are working to create an online donation platform to reach the most people and those that no longer live in Cincinnati, but have graciously expressed an interest in helping. In the meantime, donations in the form of cash or check can be dropped off to the office at Terrace Park Elementary for Ann McGovern Williams. Checks can be made payable to Pat Concannon (please write “Jane” in the memo).
It takes a Village!
Organizer and beneficiary
Ann McGovern Williams
Organizer
Cincinnati, OH
Cara Frost
Beneficiary
