Women's Vacation Clothes Haley Shirt

“I hope you will fight.
For them and for yourself.
You are part of this life for a reason.”

These words come from the blog, “I Wish I Did More,” written by our Co-Executive Director, Jessica Haley, after the passing of her friend, Josh. While the original blog was published in 2012, the depths of this expressed hope has only continued to grow. It is our hope for every life that crosses paths with TWLOHA—the hope that you will keep fighting for better days. We feel it for every person who messages us with words of, “I just don’t know what to do.” and “I don’t see how I can keep going.” We feel it in each conversation at a TWLOHA booth that starts with tears and ends in a hug. It sits in every email we send signed, “With Hope.” We have felt this hope deeply for 16 years, and now we’re honored to use these words to send-off Jessica as she moves forward from her role at To Write Love on Her Arms.

Since 2009, Jess has touched the lives of so many in her time with TWLOHA. There is no adequate way we can capture the sum of her contributions to this movement and this organization. While most of her work has been behind the scenes, her impact is front and center. She has planned some of the most deeply loved nights and moments in TWLOHA's history—like Heavy & Light and our presence at Vans Warped Tour. She’s helped TWLOHA reach high school and college students for decades so these students feel equipped to talk and care for their mental health. And for our team, she has always been the glue that holds us together. She has led with empathy and grace. She has a superhuman gift of making people feel deeply seen and cared for. On days when life has been beyond hard, Jess has shown up to bring care, love, and the simple gift of her intentional presence. She has comforted tears and celebrated joys. We have laughed, danced, cried, and felt like more than a team—more like a family—because of Jess. And whether staff, or past intern, or volunteer, or supporter—your experience of TWLOHA has been touched by Jess in some way. Her presence will be missed, but she leaves behind a legacy that can not be forgotten.

You are part of this life for a reason.