Cover bills incurred after accident and surgery

Hi, my name is Cathy Odewahn. I have been teaching for over 30 years! I retired in 2014 but recently came out of retirement to teach full time this past year. I love being back in the classroom!

In January I fell and broke two bones in my leg which required surgery. I was out of work for over two months due to complications. Since I had just returned to the classroom I did not have any built up sick days, I did not qualify for the family medical leave act because I had not been there for a year, and the best part was that the disability insurance I signed up for would not go into effect until April 1, 2023! I was part of our systems Sick Leave Bank and was able to borrow days as well as receive donated days but that did not cover all of my expenses.

For many reasons, my first year back in the classroom was difficult, breaking my bones was just one part of that. When you have an accident or medical emergency you hope your work family shows you love and support, when this was the opposite for me I knew I needed to find a new school home. I mention all of this to say that I have found a new school in a different school system and can not wait to start! But this also means I will not get another regular paycheck until the end of September (I did work summer school so I do have that coming). Many of my friends suggested I start a gofundme campaign while I was out on medical leave but I hoped I would find a way to make it. Sadly I’m so far behind on all of my bills I’m not sure how I could ever catch up. Starting a new school year, stressed to the max about my finances and having creditors calling on a daily basis is not a healthy way to begin. I want to be the best I can for my students and my family, not a burden. I would appreciate any help to get back on my feet so that I can focus on my new group of kids! Thank you for your consideration!