Written by Amber Prevo, Family Scholarship Coordinator
Recently, a mom of five in my community was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer. With two kids in college and three younger ones at home, the weight of that news was felt immediately. But what stood out was how her community rallied around her.
At a Friday night high school football game, families were handed colored lightbulbs to place on their porches as a visible reminder throughout town that this family did not walk alone. When they learned her insurance wouldn’t cover the specialized treatment she urgently needed, close friends launched a GoFundMe overnight to bridge the gap so she could begin care without delay.
This was a hardworking, Jesus-loving family of seven, already stretched financially. The hardship they faced wasn’t the result of poor choices; it was simply more than they could carry alone.
And that’s when community becomes essential.
The church in action is a beautiful thing. But as we walk daily with families navigating trauma, addiction, and the need for residential treatment, I often wonder what could change if the church (both big “C” and little “c”) responded to addiction the way this town responded to cancer.
Because so often, the stories behind addiction and trauma can’t be shared publicly.
They don’t lend themselves to a Facebook post, a viral GoFundMe, or streets lined with colored porch lights.
And yet the need is just as urgent. This is why your support of Ashes to Glory matters so deeply.
I’ve sat on calls with parents weeping over the trauma their child endured, trauma they didn’t cause but are now desperately trying to help their child heal from. I’ve encouraged spouses battling shame and addiction to believe they are worth pursuing treatment. Again and again, we see families facing a rare form of struggle, denied necessary coverage, and unable to financially begin treatment on their own.
And yet, we have also seen the transformation that occurs when someone steps in and says, “You don’t have to walk this alone. Together, we’ll find a way.”
That’s what you, our donors, are.
You are the brightly lit front porch in solidarity.
We may not be able to publicly share every story or show every face your generosity touches, but I have the privilege of seeing the impact every single day. I have never been more grateful for those who give so sacrificially to the quiet, hidden battles others are fighting.
The need isn’t going away; it’s growing. So on behalf of the families you are standing with who so often feel alone in the depths of their fight, thank you. It matters more than you know.
You are giving them moments, days, and years back because of your sacrificial giving.
Thank you for being a light.
Partner with Ashes to Glory Foundation
Learn how you can partner with Ashes to Glory Foundation to help families bridge the gap today.
