Chris is a young man with special needs. After his caring father’s late stage leukemia made it impossible for him to keep up with his son, Chris was able to get out of the house and onto the highways of Texas. With no one to lead him, Chris wandered aimlessly for two days until the Gatesville Police Department finally found him. Asked about family, the only Chris he mentioned was a woman named Michelle Gerard, according to CNN.
Michelle was one of Chris’ teachers in middle school and she hadn’t seen the young man since he had been in school. When the police called her to find out about their relationship, she was shocked that he even remembered her.
Since she was not related to Chris, Michelle was unsure how to handle the situation. When asked if she would give Chris a house, she wondered what would happen if she didn’t take it. When authorities told him he would be forced to enroll in an institution, Michele stepped in and said, “Not in my watch!” CNN’s KWTX Company
Despite the time she spent away from her ex-student, Michelle won’t see Chris being held back. Instead, she wanted to give him the best life possible and would fight to do so.
When Chris’ father died, she became the young man’s guardian. During the legal process, Michelle discovered that Chris never had the opportunity to celebrate his birthday or any other celebration due to a difficult family situation.
The former teacher decided that would change! With the help of JMB Fishing, Michelle organized a boat trip to celebrate her upcoming birthday.
Michelle can’t wait to introduce Chris to the Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities and does everything she can to give him a good life after everything he’s been through so far.
