Support Tara's Family in Crisis

Hi, I'm Mary, but most people call me Mama C. I live in Middle Tennessee with my eldest daughter, her husband, and their three children—plus dogs, chickens, and rabbits. But, this story isn't about me. This story is about an amazing bond that grew between two women, and about giving much needed/deserved assistance to an incredible member of our extended family.

When our eldest daughter, Rachel, joined the Army, she was assigned a Battle Buddy. For those of you who may not know, a Battle Buddy is a partner assigned to a soldier and is expected to assist their partner both in and out of combat. When our daughter received her Battle Buddy, our family was blessed with another daughter, Tara.

Long after basic, deployments, and discharge, Rachel and Tara have remained close. Tara has remained a steadfast Battle Buddy for Rachel, always ready to help with any problem—big or small.

Unfortunately, Tara is now in a battle of her own, and our family stands ready to see her through. Hurricane Helene destroyed the home Tara was renting for herself and her two children. As a single mother on a limited budget, Tara, like many others, did not have insurance. They lost everything, and their home is uninhabitable.

Just under two weeks later, Hurricane Milton took out their temporary residence, closed her son's daycare, and closed her daughter's school. So now, not only does the family have no place to call home, there is no safe place for the children to go while Tara works and tries to make the needed funds to rebuild.

Tara made the most unselfish and difficult decision any parent could make. She is allowing her children (an 11-year-old girl and an 18-month-old boy) to stay with us here in Tennessee while she works and tries to find a new home for them.

Tara cannot afford to quit her job. Plus, since she works for an animal shelter, it's all hands on deck right now to care for the many displaced animals after two major storms. Just like Tara never turned her back on her country when she was in the Army, she also will not turn her back on her responsibilities to her county.

Rachel is on her way from Middle Tennessee to Florida to meet Tara and bring the children here to stay with us while Tara continues to work at the shelter and try to figure out a way to provide her family with a new home—and all the furnishings, food, and clothing that go with it.

Our need at the moment is money for clothing, diapers, baby food, and a child's bed. It's been years since there has been a baby in the house, so we don't have all the supplies on hand. That shouldn't be too difficult. The urgent need in the long term is to help Tara raise funds to pay for a new home and all that goes with it. Tara is a hardworking and self-sufficient person. She never asks for help—even though she is always the first to offer help to someone else. But, even the strongest of us need help sometimes. Tara's circumstances are beyond difficult, but her spirit, kindness, and dedication to her children are unbreakable. She truly deserves a hand up. Please help my daughter's battle buddy get back on her feet and reunite her family.