I have been an advocate for people with disabilities most of my life. I have been living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 (SMA) a form of Muscular Dystrophy (MD) since birth. I was the South Western, Michigan, Muscular Dystrophy Associations (MDA) poster child in 1978 and 1979. As a preschooler my parents worked with other parents of disabled children in Hillsdale County to get a school to open a program for disabled in our county. When I was in second grade, I was mainstreamed but was later held back because I had back surgery that made me miss too many days. I remained mainstreamed the rest of my school career, fighting to get my community Middle and High School building accessible.

I was in the Jr. and Sr. High concert band, Marching band and while in high school, I performed with the Jazz band. I also volunteered with the athletic department as a cashier and was a manager for the Jr. High track team for a year. I graduated fourth in my class with honors in 1990. After completing high school, I went to Spring Arbor College (SAC) for a BA in secondary education with a major in Social Studies and a minor in Computer Science, graduating with honors in 1994. While at SAC, I volunteered at the local elementary school in the fifth grade, played in the concert band, helped in the Sunday evening preschool classroom at the church. I also worked security for the music program.

While looking for a full-time teaching position, I owned and operated a substitute teacher calling business. I found substitute teachers for two school districts and an academy. I also found substitutes for the local intermediate school, teachers and the assistance. While running this business I was offered a part-time position at Phoenix Alternative Secondary School (PASS) in 1998. I was hired full-time the following year, so I closed my business to put my full attention on my classroom.

Within a short time of becoming a full-time teacher, I returned to Spring Arbor University for a master’s degree in education. While teaching at PASS, I worked with at risk youth helping them earn a high school diploma. I was the yearbook coordinator and a mentor. I would often go to the school early so students could go to my classroom to work on the computers. I tutored in the junior high after school program for a while. I created the graduation programs and a senior video each year.

I have volunteered with the American Legion Post 270 and Post 195 at many different activities over the years. I have also help with shows at the Sauk, running box office, ushering and other activities. I have also helped organize as well as carry out activities / craft projects for kids and adults for a couple summers at MD camp. In more recent years, I have volunteered at a campground with themed activities / crafts for multiply age groups. I have also been known to transport other disabled people to doctors’ appointments, shopping and other family outings.

In February of 2016, I took the Doctor’s advice and retired due to my disability getting worse. My husband and I now get to enjoy camping much more, traveling, crafts and our fur babies. We have four fur babies in the house and another six that live outside. Our inside pets include two four yr. old Siberian Huskies and two barn cats, one is about five and the other is a little over a year. Our outside babies are six cats between three months old to over nine yrs. old.

I took my driver’s training at a much older than most people and received my license in 2008. I was able to get my van made accessible in late 2009., thanks to Michigan Department of Rehabilitation. I have always felt that paying for a vehicle was my responsibility, just like every citizen who drives. I do however feel it is unfair that because I need modifications due to a disability that I should have to pay more then triple what non-disabled people pay. Your donations will help with the modification I need to continue to drive independently, transport my husband to his VA appointments, and keep me from becoming homebound when my 2009 van takes its last breath.

My family and friends are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with my Muscular Dystrophy.

I have chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!