Paraplegic student is the definition of tough

In response to Sandy Ricklefs' Nov. 24 letter regarding Anamosa students (“School kids need to toughen up a little”), I would like to clarify the issue of an elevator being installed in the Anamosa school. The elevator is for those who can't climb stairs, not for those who can.

As far as toughness of the students, they don't come any tougher than my granddaughter, who is a paraplegic. She graduated from Anamosa High School in 2002 and attended the centers in Viola, West Middle School, and the present high school, all while using a parapodium and a wheelchair. In Viola, she fell down a flight of stairs.

The school rented a stair climber but it was so slow that she had to leave one class early and arrive at the next class late. I never heard her complain but only appreciate the help of her aide and teachers. She went on to graduate from Iowa State with degrees in human genetics and psychology. She is employed by the University of Northern Iowa as director of the Office of Student Disabilities. She finished second runner-up in the Ms. America Wheelchair competition in 2009. Hopefully, it was her experiences that championed the way for an elevator to be installed to help the next disabled student.

Carole Lerch

Martelle