Today marks 10 years since the movement began.
To Write Love on Her Arms.
Such a simple message not many would understand at first.
But for those of us who shared Renee’s story, that simple phrase was the power and the permission to share our stories. To uncover our scars and start honest conversations…

To ask for help when things were getting too hard.
To say no to the things we were using to numb  ourselves from the reality of our pain.
To turn our pain into purpose.

I found TWLOHA right at the beginning. And right when I needed it the most.
At 19 years old, and coming off the heels of two of the biggest losses in my life at the time.
Sleepless nights and panic attacks would soon follow.
An addiction to self injury that was out of control,
and being hidden because of shame.
Depression that robbed me of my will to get out of bed.
Eventually it would rob me of my will to live.

TWLOHA showed me that I was not alone.
In my sheltered world where everyone was so much happier and healthier than me,
I found a glimmer of hope in knowing that there were others out there.
People like Renee and me who struggle.and people like Jamie who would not give up on a friend no matter what her life looked like.

I bought my first shirts and wore them until they were threadbare.
They held a message I believed in. For Renee. For myself.

Every time I wear one in public and see someone else wearing them,  there is always a nod a smile, and even sometimes a hug. No matter what part of the story we relate to, we know we are a part of something bigger.

I am proud to support TWLOHA.

For 10 years of storytelling.
For allowing me to be honest and seek help.
For bringing people into my life that will walk this journey with me.

TWLOHA helped me to believe that:

HOPE is real. HELP is real. RESCUE is possible.