Carla Long, a Cave Spring Middle School PE teacher, suffered a severe stroke on December 22, 2012. Carla and her husband, Larry, are educators in the Roanoke County schools, and between them they have served our community for over 60 years.

Lindsay Andrews, a PE teacher at CSMS reports that, “Mrs. Long is recovering and making great progress, but it will take some time to get back to where she was before the stroke.”

On Tuesday, CSMS held a Zumba fundraiser for Mrs. Long. Lindsay Andrews has worked side by side with Mrs. Long for years. Along with friend, Amy Sparks, a PE teacher at William Byrd, they came up with the fundraiser idea. “We wanted to do something for her, this was kind of a last minute idea,” stated Lindsay.

Students, staff, and friends from the Cave Spring area and Hidden Valley High participated. Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Lange was present, as well as Mrs. Long’s two daughters, Caitlyn and Kelli. With a $5 donation encouraged, many gave more. Local businesses in the area donated door prizes, and everyone, young and old, had a blast!

Zumba instructors Amy Sparks and Julie Wright took turns leading the hour long Zumba class. By the end of the fundraiser, $1151 had been raised.

– Photos and text by Loren Wright, special to SWoCo