Pearl Terbilcox

Pearl currently lives in Ripon, Wisconsin where she has worked for the local college in the commons for the last 10 years, and continues to work in order to pay off medical bills. She is currently suffering from Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Pearl is a very positive individual, in my 4-years at Ripon College there has not been a day in which I haven’t seen her bright and smiling.  She has impacted every studnet in the last 10 years in some form. 

My first interaction with Pearl came in the Fall of 2014 as freshman in college. As a freshman everything was daunting and new to me. The simplest of tasks like eating of all things were huge. There I go walking into the commons on my first day of school all alone, waiting in a long line of people, one by one entering the commons. Before long it was my turn, I walk up and blankly stare at this smiling lady. Before I can even ask anything she goes “My names Pearl, and I can tell you're new here”. With a bright smile, spanning ear to ear she helps me and asks how my first day is going. From that day on everytime I've been to the commons no matter how her day is going, bad or good, I’ve been greeted with the kindest and brightest smile. Since then I’ve been touched by her kindness every day. 

Since as early as 2008, Pearl has been suffering from medical conditions. In 2008, Pearl was diagnosed with colon cancer, fortunately she was able to beat that. But most recently in 2016, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Since August of 2016, she has had 3 separate surgeries to remove the cancer. And recently has finished Chemotherapy and will be starting Radiation in the coming months. Additionally, in 2016, and 2017 Pearl suffered from 2 heart attacks resulting in a heart stent in her right carotid artery. At moments things have not always looked the brightest, but through all she has been fighting every moment.  

Money donated will be used to help pay bills as Pearl works to keep up with high amounts of medical bills, and with help she can hopefully retire once these are taken care of.

Pearl is a loved member of her family,  and by the thousands of alumni from Ripon College in the last 10 years.

All donatiations are great no matter the size. A Ultimate Frisbee Tournament in her name will be help on April 21st in Ripon, WI on the Side Lawn of the Merriman House

Thank you to all who donate. There is not a more kind or deserving person than Pearl Terbilcox.

Yanni Bamabarakos



Quotes about how Pearl has impacted them:

"She is a wonderful person! I just remember she would always say hi to students by there name and went out to her way to find out someones name. Sje was so easy to talk to and just a very loving and caring person! When she was out sick for a few days last year everyone noticed and was happy to see her back!"
Hailey Mischler RC Grad 17

"Pearl every day since freshman year has been a impactful on my life. On days where I've wanted nothing to do with anyone she has cheered me on"
Casey Johnson RC 18

"Pearl is the sweetest lady I've had the plessure of meeting. After graduating she still remembered my name and makes a honest attempt to stay connected with me"
Allie Pasdera RC Grad 14