A community that shows up

Terry Ward, Publisher

Even in sorrow, there is strength. And in community, there is always hope.”

- Terry Ward

In this space, I often write about compassion, connection, and community—those quiet but powerful forces that bind us together, especially in times of crisis. Over the past week, North Central Washington has shown the nation exactly what those words look like in action.

As the devastating news broke about the deaths of Olivia, Evelyn and Paityn Decker—three young sisters whose lives were stolen far too soon—our region responded not with silence, but with love and resolve. Vigils were held. Prayers were lifted. Neighbors checked on neighbors. Strangers opened their homes, their wallets, and their hearts to support a grieving mother, Whitney Decker, in the darkest moment of her life.

At the time of this writing, the fundraiser for Whitney has surged past $1 Million—an extraordinary number, yes, but more importantly, a profound reflection of the people who gave. Whether it was $10 or $1,000, every donation carried the same quiet message: You are not alone. We grieve with you. We stand with you.

This outpouring of generosity has become a staggering testament to the humanity that defines this place we all love. It’s not just the money raised—it’s the candles lit in silence, the hands held in prayer, the kind words whispered or posted or sent in a card. It’s the collective response of a community that knows instinctively how to show up for our neighbors when it matters most.

There are no words that can make sense of a loss so profound. But there is something undeniably powerful in witnessing the way this region has rallied—not for recognition, not for credit, but simply because it was the right thing to do. North Central Washington is more than a collection of towns and counties. We are a community that rises together in sorrow and in strength.

It’s moments like these that remind me why our region is so special and why I believe so deeply in the mission of local journalism. We are here not just to report what happened, but to bear witness to the resilience, the goodness, and the grace that still exist in the world—even in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

To everyone who has given, shared, mourned, or reached out with kindness in recent days: thank you. Your compassion matters. You’ve reminded us all that even in sorrow, there is strength. And in community, there is always hope.

We will continue to cover this story with care, clarity and respect. But for now, I simply want to say: thank you for showing the world what it means to be part of NCW.

Terry Ward is the CEO of Ward Media and the publisher of NCW News, Cashmere Valley Record, Lake Chelan Mirror, The Leavenworth Echo, Quad City Herald, and the Wenatchee Business Journal. He can be reached at terry@ward.media.