No Donated Sick Time for Husband of Woman Who Lost Hands, Feet

Update Aug. 11, 1:35 p.m.:   

According to WSBRadio, Mark Rinehart, math teacher at South Gwinnett, is prohibited from accepting donated PTO from his fellow teachers. 

State law prohibits donating sick leave unless it's to a spouse.  Despite a plea to Gov. Deal, nothing will be done on a state level.  

Tomorrow, Improvisatori -- a local theatre troupe affiliated with Southern Gwinnett Community Arts -- is taking donations for Mark and Hannah.  The performance starts at 10 a.m.

According to a recent post by family on Hannah's Facebook page, "there is something on her lungs that appears to be spreading."

Hannah's condition is caused by a rare bacterial infection.  It was not the bacteria that caused the loss of her hands and feet, but the medication that directed blood away from her extremities and toward her vital organs. 

South Gwinnett High School, where Rinehart teaches, has been extremely supportive.  They are currently in their pre-planning sessions. 

His biggest need right now is simple:  prayer. 

“There’s times I’m doing great and have it held together,” .  “Then there’s times I have to take a moment and let loose emotion.  I’m not angry, just upset and grieved that it’s going to be tougher for Hannah than for other people.”

Still, he is a strong believer in the power of prayer. 

“I’m just grateful to anyone who is offering their prayers.  That means the world to me and Hannah,” he said.  

For more information, visit these pages:

• Hannah's Facebook support page