Former SHMS Band teacher, Edwards, fighting cancer

I am Tori Pergerson, Vocal/Music Theater Director at Stuart Hobson Middle School on Capitol Hill, DC. I had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Jim Edwards, former SHMS Band Director, from 2012-2019. Many of you are aware that Mr. Edwards has had a long battle with cancer. His final teaching years before retiring in 2019 were especially difficult due to numerous treatments and residual effects on his health. Despite those challenges, Mr. Edwards continued his excellent work leading our robust Arts program and facilitating the expansion of the program to include other Arts disciplines such as theater and vocal music. 

Mr. Edwards received an honorary distinction from DCPS as the 2016 Rubenstein Award for highly effective teaching.  His passion for teaching was evident even beyond the classroom. Mr. Edwards pursued and secured significant funding and grants from Mr. Holland's Opus organization, the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, and CHCSPTA  to ensure that each band student had individual access to instruments and resources. Through a strong partnership with Washington Performing Arts, Mr. Edwards was known for bringing musical guests and artists into the classroom for additional hands on opportunities which eventually led to the addition of the Panther Jazz funk band and performance opportunities at the Strathmore Hall Art Center, to name a few. 

Recently, Mr. Edwards health has begun to rapidly decline. His medical bills and co-pays have significantly increased. Funding for more advanced medicine is being challenged by his insurance. Doctors have given Mr. Edwards a grim diagnosis of AML Leukemia. He is soon to be discharged from the hospital and sent home on palliative care and eventually hospice services.  Mr. Edwards, being full of faith, wants everyone to know he is fighting wholeheartedly for the gift of every single day. 

Upon receiving this news from Mr. Edwards, I was moved to start this go fund me in hopes that those who know and love him can help ease some of the burden he and Ms. Edie are carrying.  If you are able to donate, all proceeds will go towards helping Mr. Edwards cover immediate needs of medicines and eliminating some of his accumulating debts. 
Thank you for support. It is our way of showing  great appreciation to a man who generously gave his best for our children, school community, and furthering the Arts program for SHMS.