A Crowley ISD teacher saved one of her 4th-grade students from choking last year. Now, the school community is rallying around Mrs. McGlothlin in her time of need.
CROWLEY, Texas — When Mallorie McGlothlin returned home from school six weeks ago, she didn’t expect her life to change so suddenly.
“I knew something was wrong,” she said. “I was sitting on the couch watching my show when I started feeling tingles in my fingers — then it reached my face.”
The fourth-grade teacher at Deer Creek Elementary had suffered a stroke.
A mother of three, McGlothlin was rushed to the emergency room. There, doctors told her she had minutes to decide whether to take a lifesaving medication.
“They said there was a 30% chance I could die,” she said. “It was very overwhelming.”
McGlothlin spent four days in the intensive care unit and is now recovering at home. She can’t drive, she can’t teach, and she has lost her income. But what’s keeping her going are the notes, gifts, and visits from the students she once taught.
“Dear Mrs. McGlothlin, I miss you. I hope and pray you get better. We all miss you,” one student wrote.
Each message has served as motivation.
Among those showing support is Sarai, a student McGlothlin once saved by performing the Heimlich maneuver when the girl began choking in class. Now, Sarai and her family are giving back by bringing meals and gifts to their teacher.
“When she comes by, I’m like, ‘Oh thank you so much,’” McGlothlin said. “It just always fills my bucket when I get to see her.”
Her school community has also stepped in, launching a GoFundMe campaign, delivering meals, and planning a 5K fundraiser to assist with her stroke recovery journey.
For McGlothlin, who is more familiar with giving than receiving, the experience has been humbling.
“Just to feel that love has been overwhelming,” she said. “And it’s OK sometimes to swallow your pride and accept it.”
McGlothlin remains determined to return to the classroom, surrounded by students who continue to cheer her on. She said this journey has taught her two key lessons.
“Never take a moment for granted—and always listen to your body.”