In early June 2015, my husband, John, received devastating news no one is ever prepared to hear. He had cancer - brain cancer. We were sucker-punched into an unexpected reality that was never on our life path. After enduring a heartbreaking and life-changing six months, I have firsthand knowledge and experience of the struggles those in crisis may go through and the aftermath.

At some point in life, everyone will face a roadblock or obstacle or will be touched by someone experiencing a challenging, tumultuous period. No one is immune to struggles. Tomorrow is not a given. Outsiders often feel uncomfortable or hesitant to address the situation or may be unsure how best to offer comfort and support, especially if the circumstance is foreign, unthinkable, and perhaps horrific. 

I share my passion for caring and supporting others, which led to Reach Out with Acts of Kindness, a call to action for creating a culture of compassion and empathy by illuminating how to be there for others when they need it most. This award-winning, relatable guide highlights specific ways to help others in crisis and the time that follows the adversity.

I am a firm believer that everyone has a gift, whether it is picking up the phone to touch base, sending a note of concern, dropping off a seasonal plant, delivering a meal, picking up needed items at the grocery store or drug store, sitting with someone receiving treatment, babysitting, walking the dog, mowing the grass, helping with technology issues, etc. Have you thought about what your gift may be when someone is struggling?

Reach Out is a worthwhile resource for living in the here and now and a great read for a book club or other group to delve deeply into how to help others in times of hardship. Book discussion questions are provided on this website.

No one should ever feel alone, forgotten, or fall through the cracks when a difficult time occurs. Don’t be a bystander to someone’s troubling period. As you move on with your day, be mindful of those who may be struggling. 

Reach out, Tish

Winner of

2026 Pacific Book Awards ~ 2025 Literary Titan Book Awards 2025 International Impact Book Awards

90% of the royalties, profits, and donations go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital