I’m without words, and that doesn’t happen often, believe me.
It started with one tearful phone call made to one person, TJ. I told him that medic school was going to have to wait for awhile due to some issues with financial aid.
Apparently he wasn’t okay with that. He called Bernice. Together they started contacting people. Medic Matthew, Michael from Rescuing Providence, Tony Oliviero, and a bunch of others… All while keeping me out of the loop, probably because they knew I would tell them that they while being unbelievably sweet, it’s not really my style, and ultimately that they were both nuts.
Basically, they started the Send Epijunky to Medic School fund, and there was nothing that I could do about it.
People started twittering about it. Links went up on Facebook.
Then… They started blogging.
Bernice set up a paypal account and wrote something that turned me into a sobbing wreck. I don’t deserve half of the things she said about me… All I can say is thank you, girl. From the bottom of my heart.
Then Medic Matthew chimed in. Michael Morse, Tony, Christopher Mader, Happy Medic, Medic 999, hilinda, Medic 7, Star of Life Law and EMS Taxi wrote posts as well.
And then something unbelievable happened. In this economy, where everyone is tightening their purse strings and so many can’t find jobs… People started giving money. People I don’t even know. People who have never met me, who have never talked to me. Giving money to send some poor girl from Ohio to school. It’s hard to imagine. And it’s even harder to accept.
And… Jesus, I don’t know what to say.
I’m stunned. I don’t deserve it. Thank you. Uhm. Just… Wow. My cup runneth over.
Thank you, sincerely. To everyone who wrote, tweeted, gave… Just… Thank you. Particularly TJ and Bernice. Who refuse to allow me to stay a Basic. If this works, the first time I give Epi will be in your honor.
(Updated: A special thank you to Kimmeh… Girl… I don’t know what to say.)
Hey Epi? Guess what? People like you. :)
You kind, you’re funny … and you’ll be a kickass medic.
As soon as I saw the note from Michael I ran over to drop a few bucks in the kitty.
I’m glad I could help a little.
Wow! Yet again more evidence that the coolest thing about EMS is the people.
It’s amazing what people can do isn’t it? I just started medic school and I wish you all the best :) It’s intense!
Good luck! You deserve it…truly!
I have no doubt you’ll have what you need sooner than you think. And I hope the small token I sent your way helps.
I don’t know what to say (as evidenced from my blabbering attempt at the above post.
Just, thank you.
Epi,
One of the things I’ve observed through reading all the EMS blogs out there is that y’all are truely a family. When someone needs help and is as deserving as you are, people will rally and do what they can. I’m proud to say I know and consider you a friend, and to help in any way I can.
While I may not be an immediate “family member”, not being directly involved in EMS, I like to think of myself as a distant cousin. :-).
My rambling point is simply this. It’s just what people who love and care for each other do. We all know you’ll rock this thing!
Tony, you are just as much my brother, my family as anyone else out there. Thank you so much.
Of course you deserve it! Anyone with a heart like yours, with dedication like yours, with spirit like yours deserves all the good things that happen to you. So stop protesting and get your school supplies in order!
hugs
Sandi
You deserve this! You’ve worked so hard to get there and its apparent that a lot of other people feel the same way.
Best of luck to you, Epi. Glad I could help just a little.
This world needs wonderful dedicated woman like you and if Walt Trachim and Michael Morse (who are such great guys) recommend you, then you have my support as well. Go Girl!
Susie Hemingway UK
Hi,
I think it’s awesome what everyone’s doing and how the EMS community is coming together.
At the same time, I wish you could be more forthcoming about why exactly you seem to need the funds. From your posts, it’s pretty clear you do have a job. Was there some emergency, or are you just poor at managing your finances, and didn’t plan out any saving for school expenses?
Because those two things are totally different.
I don’t mean to be harsh, but I could see how it’s easy to get everyone all rallied up around a cause when… it’s just some normal person having trouble paying for everything they want to do- like the rest of us. Personally, I had to save up for three years before I went to medic school- and I don’t see why someone else wouldn’t be willing to doso, either… *shrug*
So, if you could have a bit more disclosure, I’d be happy to contribute if I deemed it valid.
Either way, best of luck.
Lauren
You don’t know me, but I donated. I’m someone who’s put off going to paramedic school for another year because of tuition and finances. But if a couple dollars out of my pocket can help someone else (much less someones who is clearly so dedicated and deserving) reach their dream, my god there aren’t even words for how worthwhile I think that is. Good luck and best wishes! xoxo
Go for it, lass!
I saw the appeal on Medic999′s blog, and I’m a sucker for things like this.
XXX
Mark
See you are loved! Congrats Epi!
God Provides…..Just receive it and give the best care possible. That way you are paying it forward, and then one day you will know exactly what to do do for someone else in the same situation.
Please don’t rob these people of the joy of giving and helping you–let them have the Love that they feel for ou. You deserve it and they want to do it! Everybody wins!
John
I’d love to contribute, but things are tight here at Chez-Gnome with my own medic school looming large (and financial aid yet to truly appear). But I would if I could.
This is a pretty awesome showing of support! That alone is inspiring.
Hope you kick butt in medic school :D
Court
Hey Epi,
Glad I could help a little bit and I hope that everything the EMS blogosphere puts together will help you realize your dream. Best of luck from somewhere up northish :)
Good luck in medic school.
I am truly, truly so grateful. Thank you so much. I’m so unbelievably overwhelmed.
Much Love,
Epi
Posted links to your site and to Bernice’s on my site to spread the word, and I was happy to chip in.
Good Luck!
You don’t know me. I am just a lowly browser of your blog. Wandering through the various blogs of EMTs, nurses, and paramedics I have read many stories of people helping people. Despite the fact that I am not in the medical field at all, I have the biggest respect for all of you who put forth their best effort everyday despite having to work in sometimes horrid conditions and dealing with, mostly, the dark and forgotten parts of our society.
It takes a special type of person to be one of those people. You, without a doubt, seem like exactly the type of person the emergency medical field needs.
Because of this, I donated a small amount to help you… who knows, maybe someday you will have to save my life and I couldn’t be in better hands.
Done. :)
It is amazing to see how many people donated to Epi. I work with her and she will make a great medic. Too bad our company isn’t as nice as everybody on here. They give her hardly any shifts, we get paid minimum wage, and they laugh at the idea of tuition assistance. I applaude Epi for trying to work, raise a family, and go to medic school. You will do great.
Made it this way via “AD”. Good Luck with Medic School!
Epi honey, you deserve this. You are the embodiment of what GOOD EMS providers are supposed to be. I know that you will be the type of NREMT-P that I would be honored to know, run with and learn from. Kick butt in class.
Go and get you some learning Epi. I put my $$ in the bucket and posted to my blog. Trying to spread the word and help you get there.
Do we get copies of your report card now? ;)
Hey, Epi, we’re all pulling for you. I’ve just added the cause to my blog:
http://tinyurl.com/nw2y8h
Hope my readers chip in with their $0.02 worth – at least! Hopefully more than that!
;-)