11/11/2023
**Trigger warning: The following content is of a highly sensitive nature, including domestic violence, and may be triggering for some individuals. **
As I Still Rise, NFP, was born from a deep passion to provide holistic solutions and resources to those suffering from any mental health challenges. We strive to create a future where all individuals thrive together, free from the burdens of addiction, trauma, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Through compassion, resilience, and community support we aim to empower individuals to heal, grow, and contribute to their families and communities. Our vision is to improve the lives of those affected, reduce stigma, and promote well-being via all pathways to wellness, health, and recovery. As Founder of As I Still Rise, NFP, the events that have transpired this week have really hit close to home.
On Wednesday, Tonya’s daughter was in a horrible auto accident. She was chased, she was rear-ended, and as her vehicle was pushed off the road, she was ejected from her vehicle. To make matters worse, the person responsible for this was someone close to her, someone she cared for, someone she trusted. After rear-ending her he proceeded to get out of his vehicle to pick her up off the ground, put her into his vehicle and then called her mother to tell her that “they had been in an accident.” Hearing her daughter's screams in the background, she asked to talk to her daughter, he put her on the phone, and as her daughter began to tell her mom what was happening, he took the phone and hung up. Thankfully, Tonya was able to figure out where they were. With the help of her mom, they were able to locate the vehicle. Tonya’s mom urged the driver to pull over, which he did. He then picked the young lady up and moved her to her grandma’s van. After driving a short distance Tonya realized that her daughter’s injuries were too severe, and they stopped and called for an ambulance. She was then transported to the hospital. Her injuries are severe, and she is not out of the woods yet. Please keep her in your prayers.
With all of this being said, if you (man or woman) are in a relationship/partnership and your interaction with your friends or family is being limited, if you are being confined, if your phone is being taken away from you, if you are unable to work because of anyone else's interference in your daily life, if you are being harmed or threatened verbally or physically – please reach out and ASK FOR HELP! This is not love, it is not healthy, and you do NOT have to stay. There is support out there for you. There are enough resources available that there is NO EXCUSE to stay in an unhealthy, harmful, violent situation.
Thank you to all the Emergency Response Teams, Police Departments, and McDonough County and Peoria County Victims Services for all the support and resources you have provided during this challenging time, we are grateful. Lastly, a very special thank you to the Detectives who kept us informed and worked hard to get this individual off our streets.
