For 18 years, I have dedicated my life to educating, encouraging, mentoring, and pouring into the lives of children.

As a preschool teacher and mentor, I have made countless requests for assistance. But those requests were never for me. They were to make sure the children had what they needed, experienced opportunities beyond their everyday surroundings, created beautiful memories, and understood that someone believed in them.

I have organized activities, created educational experiences, encouraged young minds, and worked to broaden horizons. My passion has always been to make a difference in the lives of children.

Never did I imagine that one day I would find myself on the other side of those requests.

Instead of asking for help to make sure the children were taken care of during the holidays, I am now asking for help for myself.

LIFE HAS GIVEN ME AN UNEXPECTED ASSIGNMENT.

Although I am no longer in the classroom, and my mentoring program is currently on hold, my love for children and my passion for education have never changed.

My greatest hope is to return to doing what I love most: encouraging children, mentoring young minds, creating opportunities, and helping them discover their potential.

But right now, I have another assignment.

I have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

What I once spent my days planning for children has been replaced with medical appointments, treatment decisions, and the uncertainty that comes with facing cancer.

My insurance will only cover a portion of my treatment expenses. Additionally, I have been unable to find an oncologist in Birmingham who accepts my insurance coverage, which means I must travel to Anniston, Alabama, for treatment.

This brings additional transportation, medical, and financial challenges during a time when my primary focus needs to be my health.

TODAY, I AM THE ONE WHO NEEDS HELP.

Asking for help is not easy when you have spent so many years being the person others could call on.

But I am learning that receiving is not a weakness. Sometimes we must allow others to become the blessing we have so freely been to them.

I am asking for support to help with:

• Cancer treatment and out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Transportation to and from Anniston for oncology appointments and treatments.
• Insurance-related medical expenses.
• Everyday living expenses while navigating treatment.
• Additional costs associated with this unexpected journey.

MY STORY IS NOT OVER.

My mentoring program may be on hold, but the vision is still alive.

My classroom days may be behind me for now, but my love for children remains.

I look forward to the day I can return to the work that has brought me so much joy. I still have dreams to fulfill, children to encourage, lives to touch, and memories yet to make.

I am not asking anyone to feel sorry for me. I am asking for an opportunity to receive the same compassion and generosity I have spent years extending to others.

Whether you can give $5, $25, $50, or whatever your heart allows, every contribution makes a difference.

If you cannot contribute financially, please share my story. Your prayers, encouragement, and support mean more than you know.

I have spent years reminding children that someone believes in them.

Today, I need someone to remind me that I am not standing alone.

I AM IN A RACE AGAINST CANCER. LOSING IS NOT AN OPTION.

With faith in God, hope in my heart, and gratitude for every person who stands with me, I will keep fighting.

Thank you for helping me fight for another chapter.

With a grateful heart,

Dianne Harris