Day 8: Becky Chase, Intervention Specialist

What Scarlett has taught me

I am Mrs. Chase and I teach students with special needs in grades kindergarten to 5^th at Hilliard Horizon Elementary.  This week we are recognizing Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week.  I am sure that you have seen the green ribbons and signs around the school.  Green is the color that represents Mitochondrial Awareness Week.  Thursday we had a bake sale to get the word out and enjoy some yummy snacks.  

Mitochondrial is a deterioration of cells that give us energy, so if you have Mitochondrial disease your body cannot make enough energy.  It affects children differently and it can make other illnesses and/or diseases worse.  My student Scarlett has this disorder and through her family, community and school support we have been taking part in activities to educate our community.    

I have had Scarlett as a student for 7 years.  After working closely with Scarlett, her parents, therapists and aides, I have learned that I needed to just focus on her abilities rather than her disabilities and celebrate her good health and happiness every day.  In other words, let’s focus on what Scarlett can do instead of what she cannot do.  I feel like I have learned more from Scarlett than she has learned from me.  She is the bravest and one of the happiest children I have ever known.  

Most of us have no idea what she goes through on a daily basis with the numerous medical procedures and medicines she receives.  She has been in the hospital on numerous occasions and sees many doctors.  Scarlett still has a smile on her face and going to school is one of the highlights of her day.  She has the same interests as her other typical 5^th grade friends and just wants to enjoy life.  Mito kids have big dreams, soaring hopes and great aspirations.


Becky Chase is an intervention specialist at Hilliard Horizon Elementary.  

If you would like more information about Mitochondrial Disease, please visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mitochondrial-Disease-Awareness-Week/129614757088058 or www.mitoaction.org