Pupils dig into pockets to help out counselor

By BROCK RADKE

VIEW STAFF WRITER

A Brinley Middle School counselor -- whose 2-year-old son has never been out of the hospital -- is receiving some much needed help from students and teachers, thanks to the efforts of a co-worker.

Paula Alvarez, who works at the northwest school, has been struggling to pay her medical bills since her son, Addison, was born prematurely two years ago. Addison's underdeveloped lungs have kept him on a ventilator his entire life, and the expenses have run to more than $10 million.

Until recently, Alvarez and her husband Adam's insurance plans covered those expenses. But now the couple may have to handle the $4,000 per day load without that assistance, not to mention paying back deductibles and other bills.

"I felt really bad for her," said Brinley teacher Kim Hardgrove, who spearheaded efforts to raise money for Alvarez at the school. "She told me the insurance was running out, and I just thought we should do something."

Hardgrove wasted no time, taking an empty water bottle around the school and asking for donations from teachers and students. In five days, $1,400 was collected.

"We had no help until Kim did this," Alvarez said. "I was totally ecstatic."

Hardgrove didn't stop there. She has continued to collect donations, and now that word has gotten out, parents have stopped by to lend a hand, as well.

"To see these kids giving their lunch money is just amazing," Hardgrove said. "I have seen some kids who I know don't have much money, giving their nickels and dimes. It's very heartwarming."

Hardgrove has also planned a car wash today at the school to raise further funds.

The donations have helped Alvarez in more ways than one.

"The toughest part of all this has been the stress of working through the system," Alvarez said. "When Kim did this, it was like, 'wow, finally.' "

For the last 14 months, Addison has been staying in Loma Linda, Calif. The 2-year-old was in the Totally Kids medical facility specialized for his needs, until a seizure in July landed him Loma Linda Hospital.

His father, Adam, has been out of work for that time so he could stay with Addison. Adding to those difficulties, Paula Alvarez was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer. She is currently in remission.

"I don't really have time to think about that," she said. "I just kind of show up to the treatments."

But the days of Paula Alvarez making the nearly four-hour drive to Loma Linda twice a week seem to be over, as Addison moved to Las Vegas' Sunrise Hospital on Nov. 1. Not only is it nice to have him back home, Alvarez said, but now her husband will be able to get back to work.

An account at U.S. Bank has been established for donations. The account number is 153490829899.