Educators sacrifice so much for their students. They spend a considerable amount of their hard-earned money on school supplies, classroom treats and holiday gifts.
They work nights and weekends, even holidays and during break when they aren’t getting paid for it. They give each child their heart and soul.
Educators lead. Discipline. Hug. Wipe away tears. Tie shoes. Serve as role models.
Dr. Sarah Schecter is the type of educator who goes above and beyond for her students. But this time, what she did surpassed any classroom gift or gesture she’d ever done before.
For Aaron, Sydney, and William Jones of Mansfield, Texas, Dr. Schecter is not just their principal. She’s their hero.
Nate Jones, the kids’ dad, began experiencing eye problems. Other than that, the 40-something dad was perfectly healthy.
He had his vision checked with an eye doctor, then was sent to a specialist and eventually ended up in the emergency room. He was diagnosed with renal failure and informed that he needed a new kidney — and soon.
Nate started dialysis right away and was hooked up to the machine three days a week for 18 months. The medical bills piled up and the stress of having a sick dad began to weigh on the family.
But they told no one. Finally, they shared what was happening in the kids’ lives with Dr. Schecter and the kids’ teachers at Oakridge School in Arlington.
The news affected Dr. Schecter harder than she expected. She felt a pull, a tug, to do something to help.
“Very shortly after she told me – like within days or maybe even hours – I felt a heavy burden. To think they could lose their dad when they’re just kids in school. I just want them to have their dad.”
For months, the principal couldn’t stop thinking about the kids, Nate and what they were enduring. Every day that passed by was another day that he sat on the transplant list, waiting desperately for a kidney.
She couldn’t explain why, but Dr. Schecter decided she needed to be tested. She couldn’t believe it when she was informed she was a perfect match!
It’s true she was incredibly nervous in the days leading up to her surgery, but she kept those fears at bay knowing just what a gift she was giving Nate and his family.
In January 2020, the lifelong educator saved Nate’s life.
“How do I pay her back? I can’t. I can’t pay her back. It runs through my mind. What can you do to thank her for this? Words aren’t enough.”
When both of them were healthy enough to reunite after surgery, Dr. Schecter told Nate all she wanted was a hug.
Educators impress upon their students to follow the pillars of character and Dr. Schecter just knocked it out of the park.
Watch the video below and learn more about her lifesaving gift. What an incredibly generous gesture!
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