Help Our Beloved Teacher Walk Again

I am starting the gofundme on behalf of one of my best friend Lisa Schuurmans and her family. In June, Lisa complained of experiencing difficulty walking and numbness in her legs but recovered two days later.  However, five days later Lisa was taken to the hospital because the symptoms became worse and she was no longer able to stand up on her own. Several test were run, and the doctors determined that Lisa suffers from an autoimmune disease causing her to lose mobility in her lower extremities, Transverse myelitis.

Thankfully, the Doctors saw a similar case a month before her hospital stay so the course of action for treatment was decided immediately. Her treatment consisted of removing plasma from her blood to replace it with synthetic plasma to stop the autoimmune response. The inflammation was treated through steroids. Currently, her insurance is paying for inpatient care but refuses to pay for continual care against her medical teams advice. Lisa will be able to continue treatment at her current facility but will need to pay for Physical and Occupational Therapy to help her walk and learn how to function in a wheelchair, in the interim.

So much progress has been made so far but the road to recovery is proving to be longer than expected. Today, Lisa is able to rotate her right ankle and wiggle the toes on her left foot. Assistance is still needed when standing because the legs are unable to support any weight. Typically, nerve damage in Traverse Myelitis may take months or years to recover, but we’re praying for a speedy recovery.

Lisa, is blessed to have such a fantastic core support system comprised of her wonderful Fiancé, Parents, Sister, and medical team working to motivate and support her emotionally and physically to get her back on her feet. Many of her dear friends and co-workers have shown support through text messages, visits, and small tokens of love that help her daily. She is very appreciative of all the love and support she has and most of all for the kindness shown during her time of illness.

One of the most difficult realizations is not being able to return to work this fall and engage with her students. Lisa may return to work once she can safely carry out a few daily routines. My friend serves many students on campus by sponsoring several students clubs that double as a safe space and support system for many. Many of her students can attest that she gives her heart to every student that enters her classroom and provides time to support them in their interest outside of the classroom when time permits. As a department and school we are hoping for her recovery and seeing her face in the hallways very soon.

Therefore, at this time we ask for your continued prayers, well wishes, or donations to help her return to teach her students all about World History, how to put current events into perspective, and ways to cope as a teenager. Lisa is a very caring individual who helps to serve our students by making them feel respected, loved, and appreciated. Please share this information with others to help get Lisa walking again. At this time, Lisa and her family are in need of your help and caring hearts to pray, donate funds, or write encouraging messages to help her through this journey of her life.