Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent
Montgomery County Public Schools
200 Junkin Street
Christiansburg, VA 24073
(540) 382-5104
September 14, 2007
Dear Families and Community Members,
One of our Blacksburg High School
families needs support as they deal with the recent illness of a family
member. The local media will be
disseminating information this week about Patrick Day, one of our high school
students. We want to do everything
possible to assist him and his grandmother in getting through a very difficult
time.
Patrick Day is a sixteen-year-old
junior who plays football for Blacksburg
High School. Three weeks ago he lost all feeling in his
extremities and became paralyzed. While physicians are still uncertain about
his condition, they have determined that he has had a rare spinal stroke. Therefore, his recovery is uncertain.
A foundation has been established
for Patrick’s care at Freedom First Credit Union, 1204 South Main Street, Blacksburg. Donations may be made to Freedom First in
care of Patrick Day. Patrick is a
strong, determined athlete who will be working hard to get through this. His teammates and many others are trying to
uplift his spirits as he begins rehabilitation. At the same time, we want to
ensure appropriate supports are in place for his family so they will be able to
care for him at present and in the future. Patrick’s grandmother does not have
a wheelchair accessible vehicle or a wheelchair accessible residence at this
time, and her resources are limited as she cares for his siblings.
In addition to the foundation
that has been set up at the bank, the school social workers, Doris Kauffman and
Mary Johnston, may be contacted at 268-2208.
These individuals will be assisting with any other donations that may be
useful to the family.
As I visit with Patrick each week
at the UVA Medical Center,
he’s reminded that the school community cares very
much for him. Our thoughts are certainly with him at UVA. We also want to
ensure his family knows how much the community cares for them and that the
community is ready to come together to help Patrick get through this.
Thank you for your support of
Patrick Day and his family.
Sincerely,
Tiffany C. Anderson, Ed.D.
Superintendent