DUBLIN, Ohio — A Dublin teacher who passed away from cancer continues to create change in the community.
Teresa Francois was a substitute teacher at Davis Middle School for 13 years. In July 2022, she was offered her dream job as a full-time math teacher.
"Tragically, she was never able to fulfill that dream," said Teresa's husband, Paul.
Teresa learned she had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer a short time after she was offered the job.
For eight months, Teresa battled the disease with courage, bravery and resilience.
"She never felt sorry for herself. She continued to have that beautiful smile on her face," Paul said.
In her last month, Teresa and Paul had many conversations about what her legacy would look like. Paul said his wife was at peace in her journey.
"It was in the hospital bed that she shared with me her vision to create this fund to help teachers," Paul said.
It was then the "Teachers Helping Teachers" foundation was born.
"That phone call, it was shocking to receive but it wasn't shocking at all knowing that it came from Teresa, Paul and the Francois family. And the honor they continue to pour into our school and our students and our stuff, said Jamie Stewart, the principal of Davis Middle School.
The foundation offers financial support to fulfill each teacher's classroom needs and has already raised $30,000 for the school's teachers.
A memorial fund was established by the family which can be seen here.