My name is Gary Wilkerson, and I have the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of WhenWeLove here in Fort Worth. Today, I’m reaching out not for myself, but for a dear friend, a trusted coworker, and one of the quiet heroes of our community — Tomeka Garnett.

For years, Tomeka has lived with severe hip pain that has steadily taken away her mobility, her comfort, and her ability to move through life without constant suffering. She has needed hip replacement surgery for a long time, but if you know Tomeka, you know this: she always puts others first. Always. She has delayed her own care again and again so she could keep serving, keep showing up, and keep giving her heart to people who need her.

But she can’t put this off any longer.

The good news is that Tomeka has insurance. The hard news is that she still must cover $6,738 out of pocket — an amount she simply does not have. And she shouldn’t have to face this alone.

Tomeka pours herself out for others every single day.

Not just at her job.

Not just when it’s convenient.

But in the places most people never see.

She has helped us manage the Cold Weather Emergency Overflow Shelter, caring for hundreds of vulnerable neighbors on the coldest nights of the year. She volunteers her time to support women escaping domestic violence, offering safety, compassion, and dignity. She shows up for people who have no one else — and she does it with humility, strength, and a heart that refuses to quit.

Tomeka is a gift to this community. A steady presence. A servant. A warrior. A woman who deserves to take care of herself without the weight of debt hanging over her head.

This is our chance to give back to someone who has given so much.

Let’s stand with Tomeka.

Let’s lift this burden off her shoulders.

Let’s help her get the hip replacement she desperately needs so she can heal, recover, and continue being the hero she already is.

Every dollar matters. Every share matters. Every prayer matters.

Thank you for loving her the way she has loved so many.