Donna Friedman:
CLASS OF 1984
Cherry Hill West High SchoolClass of 1984
Cherry hill, NJ
Donna's Story
Donna is from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She is married. Her schools include Cherry Hill West High School. She later attended University of Delaware (BA in Political Science with a minor in History). She works(ed) at Cherry Hill School District.
Donna's interests include Spending Time With Family and Friends, Reading, Movies, Philadelphia Sixers, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Eagles. Music she likes includes Moxie, Broadway Musicals, House music. Books she likes include You Are Not Your Diagnosis, The Celestine Prophecy, Gabriel's Rapture. TV shows she likes include The Sing Off, The Voice, America's Got Talent.
One of Donna's favorite quotes is:"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!".
More about Donna:"After I graduated from college, I decided to try graduate school at American University. I loved D.C. but realized that my true calling was in teaching. I moved back home and got my teaching dertification at Glassboro (Rowan).
I am married 18 years and have two wonderful boys, Josh (18) and Andrew (15). I stayed at home worked part time teaching music and directing the youth choirs at Temple Emanuel (Cherry Hill). I loved being an at-home mom but I knew it wouldn't last forever.
I was offered a 5th grade teaching position at Johnson Elementary School in Cherry Hill (when Josh was eight) and couldn't refuse! Although it is an extremely demanding job, I love it.
Sometimes life throws you a curve ball and it changes everything. In 2006, I was diagnosed with having Multiple Schlerosis (Relapsing-Remitting MS). It is an auto immune disease that affects the Nervous System-it forms lesions on my brain and the symptoms I have depends on where the lesions are located on my brain and spine. Most of mine are on my cervical spine, mainly affe...Expand for more
cting movement. The first year was quite traumatic both physically and emotionally for my entire family. I call it a family disease because it affects everyone especially those closest to you. I was fortunate b/c my body rallied and I was able to recover each time from the flar-ups I had.
In my second year, I was a candidate for a new drug treatment called Tysabri, a once a month infusion. It is a risky treatment but the good news is that it has kept the growth of the disease at bay-NO NEW LESIONS! I still live with pins and needles 24/7 in my hands and feet and battle fatigue on a daily basis. It is hidden disease for most people with MS because the symptoms are on the inside, not noticeable to people. My network of family and friends have given me such undconditional love and support for the past two years and I couldn't have gotten to where I am today without them.
I feel pretty fortunate because I am able to live a relatively normal life. I can raise my kids, work, drive,etc. If there is one thing I learned early on, it is that each and every day is a precious gift not to be taken for granted. I have MS but it does not have me and I will not go down without a fight. I really feel pretty good-I go to PT twice a week to keep in shape, teach full-time, and am active in my synagogue.
I continue to perform on stage as the opportunity arises. last year I participated in Cherry Hill's Got Talent. The competition was secondary to the thrill of performing in front of a live audience! I am a member of and soloist for Kol Emanuel, Temple Emanuel's adult choir.
My mantra is that I am growing young instead of old, and am ready to face any challenge (good or bad) with my head held high and the determination to succeed but for now, life is good.".
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