Holiday Contribution

With this great opportunity presented to us, we wanted to make every effort to seek out an appropriate local person or group for our holiday contribution.

As you know, Cristen has worked at one of the local elementary schools for many years. Unfortunately, a fellow employee was unable to return to school this year for health reasons.

Barb has been a custodian, in addition to other jobs, for 15 years. She is a single mother in her mid-50's who raised two children now in their twenties while commuting from Oak Creek to Steamboat Springs. In 1998, Barb was diagnosed with cancer. Over the years, Barb has undergone numerous treatments and lifestyle changes to combat her illness and been in and out of remission.

In 2006, Barb's cancer took a turn for the worse. Due to increased treatments Barb's strength diminished over the summer and she became too weak to work. As a result, Barb was unable to return for the 2006-2007 school year. Because Barb was no longer an active employee of the school district, she was no longer eligible for medical coverage. Due to her pre-existing condition her only option for coverage was purchasing a very expensive Cobra policy.

Since the start of the school year, many school district employees (including Cristen) have voluntarily contributed a portion of their paycheck to a fund established at a local bank to help Barb with her growing medical bills and living expenses. In addition, a recent newsletter sent to parents requested that instead of giving holiday gifts to teachers that a contribution is made to Barb's fund.

The local school district is made up of some amazing people. There is a very strong bond between the teachers and other employees. During Cristen's brief stay in the hospital last year for an appendectomy we were overwhelmed with offers to help from fellow teachers and employees. It is truly an extended family that takes care of each other.

We feel very grateful to be able to make this holiday contribution to Barb and wish her the best in continuing to fight this illness with as much comfort as possible.

Happy Holidays

Cristen & Gavin