Support Trish's Family Through Their Loss

We were 13 and sweating under the Georgia heat when Trish and I promised that our kids were going to be best friends one day. It's the same promise every other middle school girl made their best friend, you know the one.

The one you make between giggles and gossip. Topped with a pinky swear and a, "No really, I'll cut your pinky off if you abandon me."

Trish rolled her eyes at me, but kept the promise.

When I found out Trish was going to make me an auntie and Axl was on the way, I cried tears of joy. I went outside my work and jumped and screamed I was so excited. Trish was just finishing up at cosmetology school and launching herself head first into a new career-a new life. Four years later, when I finished up trade school with my own little on the way, she returned my joy. Shouts and happy tears through the phone call.

"Sorry I took so long," I said, teasing her, "I guess you've gotta have another now."

"Axl's been asking for a baby brother," she said, and I could practically hear her roll her eyes. "Like I get to choose."

This is all to say that the little one Trish and Jordan prayed for was wanted. Loved beyond words even before conception.

But all the love in the world can't stop some tragedies.

When Trish went in for her first scan, they found the pregnancy was ectopic. She was immediately scheduled for an emergency surgery.

Crying, she told me, "I just don't know how to tell Axl he isn't going to be a big brother anymore."

The surgery was successful, her life was saved. But the world doesn't stop turning when your heart breaks. The bills still come due.

Trish has spent her career giving her all to her clients. "I like making people feel good about themselves." She told me once, when I asked why she became a hair stylist. "I get to do art and I get to help people."

Working in a trade without vacation/sick days can be brutal, but she always showed up. Even from her hospital bed she said, "I can call out a few days, but what are my regulars going to do?"

Trish's incredible talent and love for others has always shined through her work. And in this economy, a few days of income is the difference between housed and homelessness.

Please consider donating so that Trish and her family can take the time they need to grieve in peace.

The first $2000 raised will be put toward their upcoming rent payment.

The next $1000 will cover the cost of car bills and utilities.

Anything over that will be put toward the hospital payments and groceries.

Thank you for reading this far and thank you in advance for taking the time to give back to someone who has already given so much of herself to others.

With much love,

Gwynna & The Roper Family