Maria Murray Shares Lindsay Kemeny’s Inspirational Story
As the CEO and Founder of The Reading League, I have been continually inspired by the impact we are making together. Our work is grounded in a shared belief: All children deserve to learn to read, and all teachers can learn to teach them. This collective effort, fueled by your dedication and generosity, is changing lives. I am deeply grateful for your support and wanted to share a story that highlights just how critical your involvement is to our Annual Fundraising Appeal. Please read on to learn about Lindsay’s powerful journey.
Your commitment and passion have transformed The Reading League into a global movement. As we kick off our Annual Fundraising Appeal, I am filled with immense gratitude and amazement at what we’ve accomplished thanks to your support. You are part of a community that donates, volunteers, and stands behind our belief that ALL children deserve to learn to read and all teachers can teach them. Your support makes this possible, and today, we need your help to continue this vital work.
Lindsay Kemeny is a dedicated mother, teacher, and author whose journey through the challenges of dyslexia transformed her life and the lives of her students. Lindsay’s son struggled with learning from a young age despite her dedicated efforts and thoughtful educational choices.
“Everything was so hard for him, and I didn’t understand why,” Lindsay recalls. Hearing him say, “I just feel so stupid!” was a cry for help that no mother should ever have to hear from her child.
Lindsay’s journey into the science of reading began with the realization that current instructional methods were failing her son and her students. She immersed herself in research and transformed her instruction. She saw remarkable improvements in her son—and her students. One student exclaimed with joy, “Mrs. Kemeny! I’m actually reading the words!” Lindsay’s story highlights a critical issue:
“Why aren’t teachers given this vital information? I felt betrayed. I felt misled.”
This transformation is not just about knowledge and instruction: It’s about changing lives. Once trapped in the despair of “feeling stupid,” Lindsay’s son began to heal—his reading improved, his self-esteem grew, and his depression lifted.
“The science of reading healed my son’s heart.”
The nation’s literacy situation is dire and has become a public health crisis. It impacts students in every classroom. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, 75% of students are not proficient in reading by 4th grade, and more than 50% of Black and Hispanic students score “below basic.” The science of reading benefits all students, and multiple research studies have confirmed that at least 85% of students can become proficient readers when taught by knowledgeable educators using effective, evidence-aligned instruction.
This is where you come in. Your gift today will enable The Reading League to provide the knowledge, training, and resources that educators need to help every child reach their full reading potential.
Your generosity inspires transformation, changes lives, lifts spirits, and builds futures.
With all my gratitude,
Maria Murray
CEO & Founder
The Reading League
