By Jillian

RIVERDALE, NJ — The tight-knit borough of Riverdale has proved that community spirit extends far beyond the classroom walls, after a critical brain hemorrhage upended Lynn Hutman’s entire world.

The stroke compromised Hutman’s speech and ability to walk, but she is working tirelessly to regain her independence and strength through physical and occupational therapy.

The brain possesses an innate ability to rewire itself, though forging a new connection to the body takes time. This process relies on a passive range of motion exercises and seated weight shifts to slowly restore physical strength and cognitive skills.

“That deep-rooted mindset is clearly serving as her anchor now,” said Superintendent Jayson Gutierrez. “The resilience, determination, and optimism she brought to the school is what she is bringing to her rehabilitation every day and it is an inspiration to us all.”

To help offset her overwhelming medical expenses (including specialized neurological rehab) the Riverdale PTA mobilized a community-wide outreach that drew support from residents, teachers, and alumni.

A warm, welcoming daily fixture in the Riverdale Public School District, where she supervised the Chess Club — Hutman is also a wellness advocate, certified yoga instructor and Reiki Master, who is passionate about helping people realize their health goals.

“When someone who gives so much to our school faces an unexpected challenge, ‘traditional roles’ disappear and our natural instinct to understand how she impacted our students and staff made everyone want to step up in every way possible,” Gutierrez said.

According to the superintendent, it’s devastating to see something like this befall a beloved colleague.

While school PTAs traditionally direct their fundraising efforts toward field trips, student assemblies, and classroom technology, the Riverdale board recognized a deeper civic responsibility. 

Donations have been flooding Hutman’s GoFundMe and her dedicated Push To Walk page, where she expressed her gratitude and determination to the community.

The nonprofit gym provides adaptive equipment, bodyweight support systems, and trainers educated in spinal cord injuries, strokes, and traumatic brain injuries.

“My goal is to raise funds to help cover the cost of my training so that I can continue working toward my goals and maintaining the progress I have achieved,” she wrote, adding that insurance does not cover the specialized sessions. 
“Your support is an investment in my health, independence, and quality of life.”

Hutman means the world to the entire Riverdale school community, with many staff donating their own sick days to help, and classmates creating get-well cards.

“Our students noticed her absence immediately,” Gutierrez said, adding that he is proud of how the Riverdale community rallied together.

“It’s during moments of hardship like this that you see the true character of a town and a school district, proving that Riverdale takes care of its own,” he said. 

Hutman’s family is grateful for the outpouring of community kindness.

You can directly support the wellness teacher’s intensive recovery journey through her (https://gofund.me/d118abf18) campaign or via Venmo (tamm-menger3). Also, all proceeds of a fundraising event on September 19 from 4 to 9pm at Bloomingdale Fire Hall benefit her rehabilitation. 

Local organizers are doing everything they can to support a woman who spent her life healing others, ensuring Hutman receives the collective care necessary to return home.