Darlyn Turner’s world was shattered when she lost her husband at just 55. The devastating loss left her feeling emotionally broken, physically drained, and spiritually lost. As she navigated the dark and lonely days that followed, Turner realized she was not alone.
Millions of women around the world face a similar fate, struggling to cope with the overwhelming aftermath of losing their partner.
“It was as if my heart, my identity, and my future were ripped away all at once,” Turner recalls. “I was left emotionally broken, physically drained, and spiritually lost. The relationships I thought I could lean on disappeared, and I was thrust into a world of loneliness and uncertainty.”
Turner’s personal tragedy sparked a sense of purpose, driving her to create change. She founded the National Widows Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering widows through support, advocacy, and resources. Since its inception, the organization has become a beacon of hope for widows worldwide.
The statistics surrounding widowhood are staggering. According to blacknews.com, Every minute, two women will have become widows. That’s nearly 3,000 women in the United States every single day. Globally, widows face staggering statistics: 50% are plunged into poverty, and 75% lose the relationships they once relied on. The loss of a soulmate not only shatters their hearts but also devastates their lives emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually.
Yet, despite the enormity of this crisis, widows remain an invisible population—unsupported, overlooked, and unheard. Worldwide, resources for widows are almost nonexistent. Even in the U.S., antiquated systems like Social Security fail to meet their needs, with one-third of widows ineligible due to age restrictions. The truth is undeniable: widows have been forgotten.
This year, the National Widows Association will embark on a groundbreaking tour, shining a spotlight on the plight of widows. This powerful movement will share stories of resilience, hope, and transformation, aiming to spark a global conversation and mobilize support for widows.
As Darlyn Turner celebrates her 62nd birthday, she invites compassionate individuals to join the National Widows Association’s mission.
You can support by:
– Donate: Every dollar counts in providing resources and hope to widows.
– Support the “Involuntarily Single” tour: Help amplify the voices of widows worldwide.
– Sponsor a Widow’s Care Package: Offer practical support to women navigating the early days of widowhood.
For more information and/or to make a donation, visit TheNWAOnline.com.
About
The National Widows Association is a 5013c nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering widows through support, advocacy, and resources. Since 2019, NWA has served widows locally, nationally, and internationally, addressing the unique challenges they face and advocating for systemic change.
STORY BY: E. A. ADJEI