A Utah high school has found a way to grant its beloved secretary’s dying wish – by raising thousands of dollars to send her on a dream vacation to Hawaii.
Debbie Hall, 56, has worked at Davis High School in Kaysville, Utah for more than 19 years and was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease three weeks ago. When she found out about her terminal condition, she decided the No. 1 thing on her bucket list was to visit the Aloha state, ABC News reported.
It didn’t take the school long to come up with the cash. Within days, it raised more than $18,000 for Hall and her family to take a trip to Oahu.
“She’s one of the best women I know,” said Robyn Lawson, one of Hall’s colleagues. “This is the impact she’s had in 19 years of education. It shows how much people love and respect her.”
Davis High! If I have ever changed your schedule…you owe me a retweet ?. Please retweet and share! #ALS #gofundme https://t.co/auMFOoKZPh
— Robyn Lawson (@robslovesromey) October 18, 2016
Hall greats all 2,700 students as the school and knows almost all of them by name, Lawson said, adding that Hall’s nickname is the “Google” of the school “because she knows everything.”
“They love her,” Lawson said. “She’s very patient and kind. I’ve never seen her upset or frazzled.”
School staff have always been aware of Hall’s aspirations to vacation in Hawaii, and they quickly set up a GoFundMe page in her honor. Several students donated to the fund, Lawson said.
At last check, it’s only just over $1,000 short of the goal amount.
Hall told ABC News that she and her family are grateful for all the love and support they’ve received from the community.
“This will give our family an opportunity to make a lasting memory,” she said.
In addition to the trip to Hawaii, the school raised enough money to send Hall, her husband, Dave, their five children and 10 grandchildren to Disneyland one week before Christmas.