Carbondale Middle School fifth-grade math teacher Kelly Stainton is on the road to recovery after a terrifying series of medical emergencies took place last week, a GoFundMe page states. Known for her warm smile and dedication to her students, Stainton has spent 14 years teaching in the Roaring Fork Valley, including the past six years at Carbondale Middle School.

The ordeal began Friday morning when Stainton, a single mother of two, couldn’t communicate clearly as she tried to wake her sons, Maddox and Braden. Alarmed, her boys rushed her to Roaring Fork Family Practice, where she suffered a seizure. From there, a whirlwind of medical interventions followed, including a brain bleed diagnosis, two life-saving surgeries, and three emergency airlifts that ultimately brought her to Swedish Medical Center in Denver.

“She’s been through so much, but she’s doing really well,” said Crista Barlow, Stainton’s best friend, who has been by her side throughout the ordeal. “Her last CAT scan was clear, and she doesn’t have the debilitating headaches she had before. That’s a huge relief.”

Doctors discovered two blood clots in veins in her brain, both of which were removed during an emergency surgery. A second surgery was performed on Tuesday after one of the clots re-formed. Barlow said the cause of the blood clots has yet to be determined, though medical professionals suspect a combination of high altitude and oral contraceptives could be factors. For now, Stainton is focused on healing and regaining her strength.

“She still has her great sense of humor,” Barlow said. “Even with everything going on, she’s been so positive with the nurses and staff. She’s getting up and walking around, which she says feels amazing. That kind of progress is so encouraging.”

Stainton’s resilience doesn’t come as a surprise to those who know her. A tireless educator, she’s earned a reputation for her engaging math lessons and ability to inspire her students. Her classes consistently excel on assessments, a testament to her hard work and dedication.

“She’s always been a bright light,” Barlow said. “She juggles everything—teaching, parenting, and just being an amazing friend—with a smile on her face. It’s incredible to see the community come together for her now, after all the years she’s given to others.”

Stainton’s recovery has sparked an outpouring of support from the Carbondale community and beyond, raising $25,050 of a $50,000 goal on GoFundMe as of 11:20 a.m. Thursday.

“She’s touched so many lives,” Barlow said. “The generosity people are showing is just a reflection of how much Kelly means to this community.”

Though she has a long road ahead, Stainton is making steady progress and could return home as early as this weekend or next week, according to Barlow. For now, she’s taking it one day at a time, leaning on her family, friends, and community for support.

For those wishing to help, donations to assist with Stainton’s medical expenses can be made at gofundme.com/f/support-kelly-staintons-medical-recovery.