We are reaching out to our community, friends, and family with heavy hearts to ask for support for an incredible woman who gave everything she had, my mother, Julie TerHaar.

For the past several months, my mom has been locked in an exhaustive, all-consuming battle alongside her son and my brother Kolby, as he fought cancer. Throughout this devastating journey, her focus was simple and absolute: to be Kolby’s biggest advocate and full-time caregiver. She left nothing to chance. She was his tireless champion, spending countless hours researching medical options, coordinating every appointment, and ensuring he received the best care available. The sheer emotional cost of this fight was immense, but she never wavered. Her dedication was remarkable and strong, but unfortunately, the cancer was just too strong. Kolby has passed away, peacefully at home, with his loved ones. Now that the fight is over, my mother is navigating the agonizing grief of losing her son. As an Art Teacher at Bartow Senior High School, she has been out of work for the last couple of months to dedicate herself fully to Kolby's care. She is currently on FMLA leave for the next month or two. This necessary time off is unpaid, and she needs time to grieve, heal, and simply rest before she can even begin to think about returning to the classroom. We want to lift the immediate anxiety of financial pressure so she can focus on her own well-being.

My mom has spent her life nurturing others, both through her teaching and through her care for her family. She has given so much to her students and her community over the years. We are asking you now to show her the same boundless support she showed Kolby. By contributing to this fund, you are giving my mother the gift of time to heal, knowing that her home and her future are secure as she processes this devastating loss.

Any donation, no matter how small, will make an immediate and significant difference in easing her burden. If you are unable to donate, sharing this GoFundMe on your socials or with friends would be an enormous help. Thank you for wrapping your arms around my mom as she faces this difficult path forward.

With deepest gratitude, thank you.

- Ethan TerHaar