Support Alicia Watkins' Double Lung Transplant

Alicia Watkins is a devoted mom and teacher, serving at Memorial Elementary for the past 18 years. She pours her heart into assisting and cheering on her son Oliver and his fellow baseball teammates on and off the field. Alicia has taught kindergarten, first grade, third grade, and fourth grade in her years at Memorial while also playing major roles on various committees. Having Lupus since she was elementary school has never stopped her, but frequent pain in her side became a cause for concern about 4 years ago. After working with doctors at the University of Chicago Medicine and (hospital) in Cincinnati, it was determined that her immune system attacked her lungs, resulting in the growth of cysts and lesions, making it more and more difficult to breathe. Infusions, medications, and regular appointments have kept her going for all of this time, but it has been recommended that she have a double lung transplant soon to have an improved quality of life given her young age. Not only does this mean a great deal of time away from the classroom, but it also means an extended time away from home. Since her current home is not close enough to Northwestern, where the transplant will be performed, she is going to need to find an alternative place to stay that is not too far away from her home in Morgan Township with round the clock care that will hopefully be provided by her mom who is a registered nurse. It is important to her that she see Oliver and William as often as possible as during the months of recovery.

Although Alicia has had to adjust to a slower lifestyle, she continues to rally by being there for everyone dear to her. She has given so much love and support over the years to her family, friends, colleagues, students, and their families. The time has come to surround the loyal, selfless, and hardworking, Mrs. Watkins, with all of the support we can possibly muster up. Alicia is always one of the first people to help in a time of need, SHE is now the one in need.