Terah needs our help!

Those of you who've met Terah know the cute, sassy, witty, wonderful woman she is. You've probably experienced the love she feels for every person around her, especially those in need of a little extra. You may have gotten a glimpse of the smart, gritty sense of humor that can bring a smile to the face of everyone nearby, even if she's just met you for the first time.


Those of you who know Terah well may have seen a hint of what lies beneath that beautiful surface. Maybe you noticed a rare moment of vulnerability, a hidden tear, or simply that your arms went farther around her than they used to when she gave you a hug. Maybe you were one of her clients at the salon on a day she could barely stand behind your chair. Or maybe, like we all do when we see something not quite right in the people around us, you thought to yourself "I wonder if Terah is OK?" or "I wonder if there is anything I can do...?"

As one of those lucky enough to know Terah well, I can answer that no, she was certainly not well but she's getting better, and yes, there is something you can do.


For the last several years - and even before that -Terah has struggled with depression. Some of you might know what that is like. For the rest of you fortunate enough to have never suffered from real, clinical depression, please understand it is a destructive force that can be much worse than physical ailments and injuries:

- You withdraw from friends and family.

- You numb yourself with whatever substance might 'make it all go away' even for a minute.

- You subconsciously starve yourself for lack of desire to go on living.

- And, if you don't get help, you often look for a means of ending the suffering permanently...

In the last year, this burden proved too much. Terah's health declined to the point of hospitalization. Her dependence on alcohol as an escape reached a point past just unhealthy, and when combined with disordered eating could have ended her life.


Fortunately she - with encouragement from friends, family and wonderful therapists - reached out and has accepted the help that she so desperately needs. She's closing in on two months sober and has been in a residential treatment program for eating disorders and substance abuse for the last month. She's well on her way back to us, but the journey has not been easy nor has it been without cost. A month away from work (and months before that of trying but not being able to fully work) along with medical bills and life's expenses have left a mountain in Terah's path when she's yet to fully haul herself out of the chasm that opened beneath her.


I, and those who know Terah well, know that she would never ask for the kind of help she needs now. She's doing the hard work of finding a mentally and physically healthy place in this world - the kind of work that pays infinite dividends emotionally, spiritually, and wholly, but costs financially. Please help me to ease the burden of her journey back to us in any way possible. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and if you feel inclined, please support her with a donation to this campaign.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Josh