Hello, my name is Katie Dotson. Many of you may not know me, but you likely know my mother, Hope Dotson.

I’m starting this GoFundMe to help cover her medical bills and everyday expenses during an incredibly difficult time. My mom is diabetic, and from July 2025 to now (April 2026), she has had to undergo the amputation of three toes due to infections.

It all began in July when she developed a sore on one of her toes. She tried to treat it herself, hoping it would heal, but as many know, diabetes can make healing much more difficult. Eventually, she went to the doctor and had to make the tough decision to have the infected toe removed so she could heal and return to work.

Just a month later, in September, another toe became infected and also had to be removed. Despite ongoing treatments, including a wound vac and later oxygen chamber therapy (which thankfully started helping), the healing process has been long and challenging.

By February, after many setbacks, things finally began looking up. She was able to return to work—something she had been so eager and excited to do, especially to see her students again. If you know my mom, you know how much she loves staying active and being there for others.

Unfortunately, toward the end of March, she noticed another issue—this time on a different toe. After seeing her doctor, it was determined that this toe would also need to be removed. She had surgery on April 10, and while the procedure went well, she is currently still in the hospital being monitored.

If my mom knew I was doing this, she would probably tell me not to worry and insist she’ll be fine. She’s the kind of person who never asks for help but is always the first to show up for others.

Now it’s our turn to show up for her.

I’m asking friends, family, coworkers, former students, park and rec kids, and even kind-hearted strangers—if you’re able to donate, it would mean the world to us. If you can’t, please consider sharing this post and keeping my mom in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any support you can give.