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LIBERTY -- The school community came together to help one of their own as several fundraisers took place Thursday evening to benefit first-grade teacher Darnelle Clark, who has battled serious health issues.
A staff vs. student basketball game, 50 / 50 raffle and half-court shot contest took place to raise funds for Clark.
Clark was not able to attend the event, but a large poster of her with "#Clark Strong" was at the main entrance of Liberty High School.
Wanda Clark of Howland, Darnelle's mother, said all the proceeds will help her daughter with medical bills as she battles hypokalmeic periodic paralysis and severe hypoglycemia, which affects the body's blood sugar levels.
"No matter how she watches what she eats during the day, her levels drop and it takes her time to recover. It leaves her fatigued and very weak and feeling like she worked a full day. It is debilitating," Clark said.
Darnelle, 36, took a leave of absence from school starting in December and has been without pay for the past two months. Darnelle also battled COVID-19 two years ago and spent time at St. Elizabeth Hospital and the Clevelend Clinic and had to learn to walk again at Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital.
She has exhausted her medical benefits, her mother said.
"This event means a lot to our family. So many people are here showing their love to Darnelle," she said.
Clark said the wife of her pastor at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church taught a lesson in church about how each person should have a trampoline in their lives where there are people in each corner of the trampoline supporting them.
"When we are going through something, we have that support. This event is Darnelle's trampoline and support. They are showing how much they love and care. This is an example of taking care of your own. It is so amazing," Clark said.
Clark said her daughter was trying to be strong.
"She is a fighter. There are days for her that are challenging," Clark said.
WEAR YELLOW
Those attending Thursday's events were asked to wear yellow, which is Darnelle's favorite color. Special yellow shirts were provided.
Several of the staff members at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital's laboratory where she gets tests done gave Darnelle a musical globe that plays "Amazing Grace" and a dozen yellow roses.
Carrie Davis, patient care at St. Elizabeth, said her grandson, Byron Mosley, now in sixth grade, had Darnelle when he was in first grade.
Akanni Thurston, 10, a fifth grader, said Darnelle was "always a nice teacher."
"I hope she is able to get the medicine and all the help she needs," he said.
Lillie Little, 7, a first grader, said "I like her voice and how caring she is."
"She is a fun teacher who cares for me. I miss her," said Justice Purdie, 6, a first grader.
Siblings Amaris Moss, fifth grade and Josiah Moss, eighth grade, each had Darnelle for first grade.
"She was always smiling and happy," Amaris said.
Lindsay Kovach, teacher and student council adviser for fifth and sixth grades, said this is the second year for the fundraising event.
"We wanted to hold this event again. Last year was a blast and this is too," Kovach said.
She said special bracelets have been sold. Kovach said the fifth- and sixth-grade student council came up with the idea of a basketball game pitting staff and students against each other.
"My heart is so overwhelmed by all that has been done. I know if she was here, she would be hugging every person. I am so honored to be here for this and to be her friend," Chrishyra Whitfield of Youngstown said.
She said videos were being taken so Darnelle can watch the event.