In the hard-working world we live in, days-off are precious. However, there’s one story from Huntsville, AL that demonstrates that there are sometimes more important things at hand than having a few extra days off work.
Meet David Green
David Green is a history teacher at Mae Jemison High School, and he is a loved member of the school community, respected and adored by both fellow teachers and the pupils. However, his life was in very pressing times, with his 16-month daughter Kinsley sadly being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
No Time Left
To make matters worse, he had no more sick days available to book in order to tend to his infant daughter who at this point was getting treatment over 100 miles away from home. He certainly needed the time off from work to ensure he was giving Kinsley the very best love and care she needed from her father.
Colleagues Stepping In
In turmoil, David was unsure as what to do. His wonderful colleagues then came to his rescue! His colleagues at the school banded together to donate more than 100 sick days to him collectively. David and the rest of his family were blown away by the support and generosity – Megan Green, Kingsley’s mother has since said that it was a “huge blessing” and that they couldn’t wait to be in a position to pay everyone back.
Over The Moon
David was hugely thankful, as he knows people are always going through their own personal struggles too. Despite this, the communal offering to David even reached teachers at nearby schools. Wilma DeYampert, the principal at Lakewood Elementary, donated two days. She said: “I could not imagine having a child in that condition and being away from them.” Wilma was diagnosed with breast cancer herself in February, and so she felt instant empathy with David’s situation. She continued, “My mom always said ‘You don’t need to be rich to bless someone.’”
Kingsley’s treatment continues, but now thanks to David’s kind colleagues, she has her loving father by her side too.