How did TWLOHA start?

The beginnings of TWLOHA can be traced back to the story of redemption of one girl, and the assistant that helped her pull through: Renee Yohe and Jamie Tworkowski (Yohe iii). Yohe had struggled with addiction and depression and was in a rut in her life. Tworkowski recognized his calling and acted boldly. On top of talking to her when she was struggling and telling her to keep pushing through in times of darkness, he blogged about Yohe’s struggles to bring attention to the issue, along with raising money to pay for her rehabilitation (Glock). Through his valiant efforts, she found redemption and supporters across the nation urged him to keep doing what he was doing. Next thing he knew, To Write Love on Her Arms was making $2.9 million in merchandise alone in one year (Glock). Tworkowski remains humble about the organization, claiming it is simply “an organization for broken people, led by broken people” (Yohe 397). While Tworkowski answers questions from hundreds of thousands worldwide, he never forgets the influence of music on his foundations for TWLOHA. He recalls being at a Coldplay concert, “There is something about singing ‘Yellow’ with 15,000 people…you just start to believe the world can be a better place” (Glock). These thoughts are the ideals he bases his organization on; the belief that hope and inspiration can push one to recovery and redemption. Tworkowski also explains that, “Music is powerful in its ability to capture, inspire, and communicate things in a way that is real and honest...a song can go places a conversation often can’t” (Goins).