Support Nilson's Recovery and Family Needs

One of Shady Hill School's long serving and most beloved members of the Facilities Department has suffered a serious medical incident and is in the hospital. Nilson Reyes came to Shady Hill in 1999 and has been an integral member of the community ever since. He is a husband, father and grandfather, as well as a wonderful friend and colleague. For 25 years, Nilson has greeted students, parents, and colleagues with his smile and infectious good spirits.

We want Nilson to have a quick and thorough recovery so that we can welcome him back to campus and make sure that he knows how much his presence means to all of us. The Facilities Department and SHS are raising money through this GoFundMe campaign to help his family with medical and other expenses while Nilson is unable to work. Thank you for your contributions and we will keep you updated on Nilson's recovery and pass along information that the family shares. We are sending him our warmest and strongest wishes for a full and speedy recovery!

We are now a full week since the onset of Nilson's illness and are able to report that he is making slow, but steady progress in the hospital. His family has been a constant presence during this difficult time and his friends and colleagues have visited when the medical team allows it. For now, visiting is limited to family and those they include, so please check before trying to visit. You can drop off cards and notes at the Front Desk of the school and they will be brought to Nilson's family.

The family is very appreciative of all the good wishes and the support of the GoFundMe campaign for Nilson's recovery. The response has been huge and will be very important to the family as they navigate Nilson's recovery. The school and Nilson's wife, Blanca, have been in contact about the tremendous support that has been generated by the fundraising campaign. Since there is a long recovery ahead and the full costs are unknown, but very significant, the funds are being transferred to an account at the school and will be directed by Blanca to support Nilson's recovery and the family's needs as they assist him. The Shady Hill community's response has been amazing and is a testament to the impact that Nilson has had as a member of our school community for the past 25 years. He has been here for us and now we want to be there for him!

Nilson has made great progress over the last week and is getting ready to be moved to a rehabilitation facility to continue with his recovery. His colleagues are very excited to share that they have been able to converse with Nilson during their recent visits and his progress is definitely evident! The road to recovery will still be long, but the recent progress has given us all hope that we will have him back on campus in the not too distant future to share his smile and warmth. His family is very grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and we want them to know that we are here for them! Please continue to bring cards to the Front Desk or to the Facilities mailbox and we will bring them to Nilson.