DDSD raises over $17,000 for 2024 Scots Angel

5-month-old Thalia is the daughter of 2009 DDHS graduate Ashley Mendoza. Born premature at 33 weeks, Thalia was diagnosed with a birth defect called tracheoesophageal fistula, which occurs when there is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and trachea. Tracheoesophageal fistula is developed in a fetus while inside the uterus and is found in 1 in 5,000 births. Because the esophagus and trachea are normally separated, this connection can result in food and liquid ending up in the lungs. Thalia currently is residing in and receiving treatment from Doernbechers Children's Hospital. She has coded 10 times because of her condition. In October, she had a successful surgery and was released from the NICU before Christmas. Slowly, Thalia has been gaining weight and eating normally. 

Athletic Director Brad Joy introduced Thalia to David Douglas High School at the Dec. 8 assembly. There were many opportunities for the student body to help Thalia's family with their medical and financial needs. Advisory classes collected donations during the Miracle Minute and the advisory that raised the most money won a free drink from Dee's Corner Cafe. The Miracle Minutes were held on Jan. 10, Jan. 17, and Jan. 24. Dee's Corner Cafe also held their own event for the Scots Angel: Make the Cafe Pay Day on Dec. 12, where all sales that day were donated and doubled by the Cafe. During the week of Dec. 11, a photo-op with Santa Claus and the Grinch was set up in the North Cafeteria and all proceeds were sent to the Scots Angel. Raffle tickets were also available for purchase, and the money went to Thalia. 

ELA teacher Tracy Apple's advisory took first place in the Miracle Minute contest, raising $655. In second place was business/Dee’s Corner Cafe supervisor Cole Samuel's advisory who raised $409.89. Special Education teacher Alana Harris' advisory was third place and raised $227.89. The Miracle Minutes collected a total of $5,063.71. On Make the Cafe Pay Day, the cafe's sales was $616.75, meaning Dee's fundraised a total of $1,233.50. The Santa Claus and Grinch photo-op made $245 for the Scots Angel. 

The David Douglas Scots Angel Club is run by advisors Joy, Kelsey Stiff, and Misty V'Marie. Their mission is to support families and children in medical crises and they have raised over $180,000 over the past 16 years. Some schools in the district are still fundraising for Thalia's family. Contributions from the David Douglas community are going to provide great support for the Mendoza family during their time of need.