2008 Woodie Awards
Giving Back is the New Black
Jameson Ketchum
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Post
By now almost everyone (who has a myspace at least) has heard of the non-profit organization To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA). The non-profit was started by Jamie Tworkowski several years ago after he spent many heart-wrenching hours with a young girl named Renee. Renee had endured everything you can imagine and now she was finally ready to change her life and enter rehab. The organization that was started because of Renee's struggles has flourished over the past several years. This is due to its grassroots promotion as well as enlisting personal friends of Jamie's who just happen to be the likes of Jon Foreman, front man of Switchfoot and Stephen Christian who fronts Anberlin. After being turned down by numerous rehab facilities, Renee is left in the hands of a few friends, including Jamie, to help her overcome her addictions, one of which is cutting.
Upon visiting the organization's website, one need to look no further than the story provided by Jamie to give some background and on why the non-profits needed to be started. The entire story is very revealing and heart-breaking. Since reading it over a year ago I have received it from numerous friends telling me that it will change my life. TWLOHA representatives travel with numerous bands all over the world and provides a brief synopsis before the final act of the night as to what they are all about. It is so great to see kids wearing the shirts and actually getting involved. The organization aims to show youth that there are people out there willing to listen to them and, if necessary, be right there by their side to help. Also on their site are some very staggering statistics on depression and suicide among teens as well as explanations as to why some might feel the need to cut. TWLOHA provides information on various types of treatment centers and hotlines as well as links to other like-minded organizations. Some of the artists who support TWLOHA are Paramore, Bayside, Thrice, Jimmy Eat World and more. The t-shirts that most of these bands sport are the original design made in 2006 and sold to help pay for treatment for Renee.
Ultimately, TWLOHA is spreading love wherever it goes, showing today's youth that depression is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with now. The organization urges today's youth to be a generation of change and redemption rather than increasing statistics.
Upon visiting the organization's website, one need to look no further than the story provided by Jamie to give some background and on why the non-profits needed to be started. The entire story is very revealing and heart-breaking. Since reading it over a year ago I have received it from numerous friends telling me that it will change my life. TWLOHA representatives travel with numerous bands all over the world and provides a brief synopsis before the final act of the night as to what they are all about. It is so great to see kids wearing the shirts and actually getting involved. The organization aims to show youth that there are people out there willing to listen to them and, if necessary, be right there by their side to help. Also on their site are some very staggering statistics on depression and suicide among teens as well as explanations as to why some might feel the need to cut. TWLOHA provides information on various types of treatment centers and hotlines as well as links to other like-minded organizations. Some of the artists who support TWLOHA are Paramore, Bayside, Thrice, Jimmy Eat World and more. The t-shirts that most of these bands sport are the original design made in 2006 and sold to help pay for treatment for Renee.
Ultimately, TWLOHA is spreading love wherever it goes, showing today's youth that depression is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with now. The organization urges today's youth to be a generation of change and redemption rather than increasing statistics.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
jay Mcslarrow
posted 4/29/08 @ 1:39 PM PST
i have a very sharp dick that you could cut your wrists with
Peter
posted 9/03/08 @ 11:04 PM PST
The westernoregonjournal site is very good. We get all required information here. The site is very beautiful how logically all the options are available in this site. (Continued…)
Post a Comment