Join the Teresa Team!

My name is Kelli Canny. I am so honored to be the cousin and friend of Teresa Ash Webster, related through my mother’s side. Teresa is 59 years old and is the proud mother of 4 adult children and 7 grandchildren. She loves giraffes and working with wood. Teresa has had a history of chronic pain from a motor vehicle accident in 1994 that left her disabled due to fractures in her leg and back, which never healed properly. Her doctor has also diagnosed her with neuropathy in her hands and feet. Teresa also has a history of mental/emotional issues from being sexually abused as a child by her father and further abuse/neglect in adulthood.

On January 11, 2022, I headed out to Moore, Oklahoma to pick up Teresa. My trip was overdue since we had word from Oklahoma June of 2021 that Teresa’s health was deteriorating. Teresa had lost an unusual amount of weight. When I talked to Teresa on the phone, she was reporting excruciating pain, depression, and weighed 81 lbs. I stayed in touch with Teresa over the last several months, and learned that she had no heat in her room, using candles and space heaters to stay warm in the winter. While her mood and weight improved, my concerns for Teresa’s welfare increased due to her poor living conditions. Teresa’s hope for a better life started growing as she further pursued her faith and friendships.

On December 14, 2021, Teresa went before an Oklahoma judge to file her complaints of the years of emotional and physical abuse. Teresa filed for a divorce. Based on the findings, the judge granted Teresa her requests, but also issued a court order that Teresa must vacate the premises for her own safety. The judge informed Teresa that she had until January 14, 2021 to relocate. Phone call after phone call, Teresa found no place to go. Complicated by the cold weather and the rising homelessness from the pandemic, Teresa found every shelter full. Our situation was challenged further by the fact that she had lost her government disability status in 2013. Thus, she has no consistent income for rent. Teresa has restarted the application process for her disability funds circa December 3, 2021. However, this process can be lengthy, especially with her pending divorce.

On January 14, 2022, Teresa and I made our way to The Woodlands, TX. Currently, Teresa weighs 97 lb., with her healthy weight being 120 lbs. Her family here includes her Aunt Donna (my mom), Danelle (her cousin/my sister), and myself. Daily, I see her getting stronger physically and in her faith. She prays for her family, even those that have abused her. Teresa has been dependent on her spouse most of her life and, due to her divorce and hastened need to relocate, she has no assets or credit. I am inspired by her bravery, and I’ve made it a point to let her know that I am on the Teresa Team. The months ahead will be a challenge because she is starting at the bottom, but I have faith that we can do this together. I hope that you will join the Teresa Team with me.

 

This GoFundMe Income will be used for Teresa’s living expenses for approximately 6 months while she waits for her disability approval. Here’s a quick breakdown for the needs: used car, auto insurance, down payments/fees for apartment/small home, furniture, etc. We hope to raise at least 25,000.

We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers for Teresa and our family at this time. Furthermore, thank you for your gift of funds. Anything helps. So far, Teresa has been so touched by your thoughtful giving.

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me." 
- Matthew 25:40 NIV