Dear Local 2748 Member,

Our union sister, Michele Crewe, is in need of assistance. She works for the Department of Workforce Development as an Employment and Training Specialist B in Green Bay. Unfortunately, she has exhausted all of her leave time following a series of health problems beginning in December, 2010. In December 2010, Michele suffered a stroke, which resulted in her having two carotid artery surgeries. Then in January 2011, Michele had a heart attack. The situation was complicated by the failure of the second carotid artery surgery, which resulted in reduced blood flow to the left side of her brain, visual impairment in her left eye, and an increase risk of stroke. On June 3, 2011, Michele had open heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Michele has exhausted all of her leave time and does not have income continuation insurance. Therefore, she meets all of the eligibility requirements for the Catastrophic Leave program. At this time, she is in need of Catastrophic Leave donations. To be a donor, you must have at least one year of State employment. You may donate up to 24 hours of personal holiday, Saturday legal holiday, sabbatical or annual leave. You are unable to donate sick leave. After the attached donor form is completed, send it to your payroll office. Thank you for your generosity.

Our union sister, Suzanne Ankenbrandt, is in need of assistance. She works for the Board on Aging and Long Term Care as a Volunteer Coordinator in Stevens Point. Unfortunately, she contracted a serious heart infection and is having open heart surgery to replace to two heart valves. She is expected to need a significant recovery period.

Suzanne has exhausted all of her leave time. She does have income continuation insurance. However, she is in need of the 160 hours to cover the time before income continuation insurance goes into effect. Therefore, she meets all of the eligibility requirements for the Catastrophic Leave program. At this time, she is in need of Catastrophic Leave donations. To be a donor, you must have at least one year of State employment. You may donate up to 24 hours of personal holiday, Saturday legal holiday, sabbatical or annual leave. You are unable to donate sick leave. After the attached donor form is completed, send it to your payroll office. Thank you for your generosity.

In solidarity,
Georgette Gehring, Local 2748 Vice President