Pletcher Power

If you have ever been around Sue Pletcher, you have experienced kindness in it's most genuine form.  Spreading kindness is one of Sue Pletcher's superpowers that all who know her would agree upon.  Sue has been a paraprofessional in the  East Grand Rapids Public School District for as long as anyone can remember.  As a teacher, I witness the gift Sue has when she works with students.  She takes children of all abilities and helps them reach their fullest potential cognitively, emotionally and socially.  Sue is truly Wealthy Elementary School's Queen.  The summer of 2019 brought about a journey no one wants to start, the journey of fighting cancer.  Sue was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer without warning.  They say the day you are diagnosed with cancer, you are a survivor!  Sue is not only a survivor but a warrior with one goal in mind, kicking cancer's butt.  Sue began her fight with surgery which resulted in many complications, and  setbacks.  After she had recovered from surgery Sue began chemo treatments and has received them while working this year.  Taking last year off was heartbreaking for Sue, she wanted nothing more than to be back with the students she loves.   Prior to spring break Sue decided to try a clinical trial to improve her chances of beating cancer.   There are times when "regular" cocktails of chemo do not get the job done.   As with any clinical trial, she is not sure of what the future holds.  She doesn't know the side effects which could impact her being able to be at work on the days she feels ill or has appointments.  There are also many basic needs that come along with fighting cancer, which can add unexpected costs.  Many of us that love Sue and have been lucky enough to have her in our lives are hoping to decrease her worry about financial burdens.   Let's help Sue keep her "Pletcher Power!"