ENGLEWOOD, Fla. — In Ms. Ham's first grade class at Englewood Elementary School, students practice kindness. Inside her classroom, a 100 Acts of Kindness bulletin board is covered in gestures students have made. Some say "put clothes away". Other say "help with the chickens."
For Ms. Stephanie Ham, it reads "Contact Ellen for Lauren". That's in, Ellen DeGeneres.
She's referring to Lauren Hanrahan, a fellow teacher and friend. Hanrahan was recently diagnosed with NF2 - Neurofibromatosis Type 2. According to the National Institute of Health, it's the growth of noncancerous tumors in the nervous system. There is currently no cure.
“I currently have a tumor located in my left ear and my right ear…and three tumors located along my spine," Hanrahan tells Fox 4.
NF2 can lead to hearing loss, which she's already experienced in her left ear. She describes what she felt once she realized what was happening. “It was scary. If it went that fast with my left…how fast can it go with my right?”
Hanrahan says a diagnosis like NF2 which could lead to complete hearing loss makes her appreciate everyday moments and sounds, including one very special sound she makes sure to hear nightly.
"When I'm tucking my little girl in, the last thing we say is 'I love you' cause that's the last thing I want to hear from her."
Hanrahan and Ham both describe the bond of teachers and parents at Englewood Elementary as one resembling a "family".
For Hanrahan, that support plus the support of her husband and relatives motivates her to inform people of NF2. She also says she's fighting for a cure. “I made it a mission to spread awareness of this disease.”
That's why Stephanie says she couldn't help by support Lauren by recording the video. “I really wanted to show my students how one small act of kindness can reach across the world and make a difference.”
Both teachers support the efforts of NF2 BioSolutionsto provide a cure for the rare condition. They hope that their efforts in raising awareness can help to raise money towards helping the 1 in 33,000 people living with NF2.
They also say you can support their efforts by sharing Stephanie's video.
