Dear friends and family, especially my fellow writers, teachers, librarians, and educators,
Every once in a while, life delivers news that stops you cold. The kind that reminds you just how fragile our carefully balanced lives really are. Recently, that moment arrived for my longtime friend Teri Hall.
I’ve known Teri for more than 30 years. Over that time, I’ve watched her grow not only as a writer, but as a deeply thoughtful, compassionate human being. She’s the author of The Line, a dystopian young adult series that has resonated with countless readers, particularly teens who see themselves reflected in her characters’ courage, uncertainty, and resilience. Like so many authors, Teri’s work has always been about empathy; about imagining hard futures and helping young people navigate them.
Now she’s facing something unimaginably difficult in her own life.
Teri was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. As if that weren’t overwhelming enough, she also lost her job as an Academic Advisor at Western Washington University due to budget cuts. Two life-altering blows arriving at the same time, health uncertainty and sudden loss of income, would knock the wind out of anyone.
Another friend of Teri’s has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical costs and basic living expenses while she focuses on treatment and recovery. This is not about luxuries. It’s about giving a good person the breathing room to concentrate on healing rather than worrying about rent, groceries, or mounting medical bills.
I know times are tight for many of us. But if you can spare even a few dollars, I hope you’ll consider clicking through and contributing. Truly, every single donation helps, whether it’s $5, $20, or more. And if you’re not able to give right now, sharing the link can make just as much difference.
We all like to believe that serious illness and sudden job loss are things that happen to other people. But the truth is, it could happen to any one of us, at any time. When it does, community is everything.
If Teri’s work has ever mattered to you, if you care about supporting writers and educators, or if you simply believe in showing up for people when they need it most, please take a moment to visit her GoFundMe page:
👉 https://kennn.com/terihallgofundme
And if you’re not in a position to donate right now, there’s another powerful way you can help: please share Teri’s story. A quick post on Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, X, or wherever you hang out online can make a real difference. You never know who in your circle might be able to give, or who might simply help spread the word a little farther. These campaigns live or die on visibility, and every share helps Teri’s story reach someone new.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping however you can.
