Dearest Friends, Families and Supporters,

Since we began the school and held our first fundraiser in 2006, you have been there for us. You have believed in the mission of ALCA, the staff, students, and me. Thank you for your trust.

It has been my absolute pleasure to share the triumphs of the students with you all these years. Unfortunately, I have had a significant health crisis and need to take time to focus on my health. In April of last year, I was diagnosed with pneumonia, only to find out it wasn’t. In June, my health took a very serious turn, and I was hospitalized in critical condition spending weeks in ICU. It turns out the diagnosis was a rare autoimmune disease. The illness kept me in the hospital for 60 days, most of them at Northwestern in Chicago. After that, I spent several weeks at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab Rehab hospital in Chicago, then home to Shirley Ryan Day Rehab in Arlington Heights 5 days a week and continued there. While things are improving, my health hasn’t recovered enough to be able to return to school, and I’ve needed to retire from ALCA.

My heart is broken leaving ALCA. However, the leadership is strong and I’m excited to see where the school goes next. Without your support, ALCA wouldn’t be what it is today. I’m so proud of what we have built together and can’t begin to thank you for your support over the years. With the Gala right around the corner on Saturday, March 9, I hope to see you there to celebrate this magical place.

Thank you from the bottom of my very grateful heart,

Kelly