Life is unpredictable, filled with highs and lows, but few people manage to turn life’s hardest moments into a mission for change like Terry Loerch. Growing up in a military family, Terry faced constant relocations and the challenges of adapting to new schools, communities, and environments. These early experiences taught him adaptability and resilience, but they were just the foundation for the strength he would need later in life. From an early age, Terry struggled with dyslexia and a learning disability, making school difficult and often isolating. Yet, instead of letting these challenges define him, he worked tirelessly to overcome them, developing strategies that allowed him to succeed academically and socially. These experiences instilled a profound empathy for others facing obstacles, a quality that would shape his life’s work.

Terry’s life took an unexpected and devastating turn in 2003 when a spinal cord injury left him paralyzed. The journey to recovery was grueling, requiring countless hours of physical therapy and mental endurance. Then, in 2014, he faced yet another life-altering event: a ruptured colon that led to full-blown sepsis, causing his heart to stop for nearly three minutes. These moments of near-death forced Terry to confront the fragility of life. Despite the overwhelming odds, he not only survived but learned to walk again. Over the years, Terry has endured more than 32 surgeries, multiple bouts of sepsis, and the loss of parts of his lung and colon, all while managing to care for his son and advocate for others. Today, his work as an advocate for the disabled community reflects his belief that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and to help others. His journey is not just one of survival but of relentless determination to make life better for those who face similar struggles.

A Journey Defined by Adversity and Faith

Terry’s story begins like many others full of ambition, determination, and hope for the future. Growing up in a military family, Terry’s early years were shaped by structure and discipline. These formative experiences, coupled with his innate empathy, laid the groundwork for a life dedicated to helping others. His upbringing instilled in him a sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic, as he navigated the challenges of being part of a family that frequently moved and adapted to new environments. These transitions taught him resilience from an early age and shaped his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Terry’s determination to achieve his goals led him to pursue a Ph.D. in neuropsychology while serving as a director for Program Development Outreach at a college. His life seemed poised for success, with a clear trajectory toward making a difference in the world.

But life, as it often does, had other plans. In 2003, Terry’s life took a dramatic and life-altering turn. A spinal cord injury left him paralyzed, grappling with the daunting task of relearning how to walk. The injury was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. For most, such a challenge would define a lifetime. For Terry, it was only the beginning. The process of recovery was grueling, filled with endless hours of physical therapy, pain, and moments of doubt. Yet, Terry’s determination to regain his mobility was fueled by his unwavering belief that his journey held a greater purpose. He approached his rehabilitation not just as a physical challenge but as an opportunity to deepen his understanding of himself and others.

The First of Many Battles

Years of rehabilitation followed his spinal cord injury. Every step forward came with immense pain and perseverance, but Terry’s resolve never wavered. He immersed himself in his recovery, building not just physical strength but also mental fortitude. Just as he began to regain a sense of normalcy, tragedy struck again in 2014. His colon ruptured without warning, triggering full-blown sepsis. For nearly three minutes, Terry’s heart stopped. Those moments, hovering between life and death, would forever change his perspective.

"When you come back from the brink, everything looks different," Terry recalls. "You realize that life isn’t about the milestones but the moments in between."

The aftermath of his near-death experience was grueling. Terry faced a lengthy recovery filled with surgeries, complications, and uncertainty. Doctors doubted his ability to recover, yet Terry defied the odds once again. He learned to walk all over again, this time with a new appreciation for the sheer gift of movement. But fate was not done testing him. The experience of being bedridden for months and relying on others for basic needs deepened his understanding of vulnerability and strengthened his resolve to advocate for those who lacked a voice. The lessons learned during this time became the foundation for his future work, as he began to see his struggles as a bridge to helping others navigate their own.

The Fight for Survival Continues

In 2016, Terry found himself back in the ICU. Another bout with septic shock left him fighting for his life, this time with even grimmer prospects. Six weeks in the ICU, followed by hospice care at home, presented him with a stark reality: doctors gave him a mere 2% chance of survival. Terry endured a double PICC line for intravenous antibiotics as his body battled antibiotic-resistant infections. The physical toll was immense, but the emotional toll was equally profound. It was during these moments of vulnerability that Terry’s philosophy of acceptance and purpose became a lifeline.

"We are always where we should be, even if it’s not what we want," he says. "Sometimes the hardest paths lead to the most beautiful destinations."

This philosophy became a guiding light. Despite the odds, Terry recovered once again. His body bore the scars of countless surgeries, over 32 in total, and the loss of part of his lung, colon, and belly button (he misses the most), yet his spirit remained unbroken. Even at his weakest, Terry found ways to be present for his son, swinging him on the playground while carrying his IV backpack, embodying the ultimate resilience. His ability to find joy in these moments, despite his circumstances, inspired those around him and reinforced his belief that life’s true meaning lies in connection and service. Each setback became a lesson in gratitude, as Terry continued to view life through a lens of purpose and opportunity.

Finding Purpose Amidst Pain

Terry’s trials were not merely physical. He also endured profound emotional and psychological challenges, including being a survivor of domestic violence at the hands of his ex-partner, who beat him and almost took his life. This harrowing experience opened Terry’s eyes to a harsh reality: 98% of relationships fail when one partner becomes disabled, and the rate of domestic violence is alarmingly high within the disabled community. Terry learned this firsthand, and these experiences forever changed his perspective on relationships, justice, and support systems.

During the tumultuous years that followed, Terry found himself grappling with a family court system that seemed ill-equipped to protect survivors like him. He witnessed systemic biases that often overlooked male survivors of abuse and disabled individuals, leaving him feeling further isolated. These injustices became a driving force in his advocacy, as he recognized the urgent need for reform in family court to ensure that survivors of all genders and abilities receive equitable treatment and protection.

These experiences not only deepened Terry’s empathy but also broadened his understanding of human suffering. Rather than succumbing to bitterness, he channeled his pain into a purpose to advocate for systemic change and to amplify the voices of those who are often silenced by stigma or oversight.

During his prolonged hospital stays, Terry spent countless hours reflecting on the world around him. From his hospital bed, he watched as others struggled with disabilities, often facing systemic neglect and a lack of understanding about their unique challenges. He observed patients who were overlooked by medical staff, families who felt helpless navigating the healthcare system, and individuals whose disabilities were compounded by societal indifference. These experiences profoundly impacted Terry, opening his eyes to the gaps in support and empathy for the disabled community.

Rather than letting these observations weigh him down, Terry saw them as a call to action. He began asking himself how he could make a difference, how he could turn his pain and struggles into something meaningful. In the ICU, he witnessed the fragile cycle of life firsthand—patients came and went, and he saw lives end as the dreaded sound of a Code Blue echoed through the halls. He even faced multiple Code Blues himself, a stark reminder of his vulnerability. These moments of clarity pushed Terry to find purpose in his suffering.

These reflections planted the seeds for what would become his life’s mission: advocating for the disabled community and creating platforms that would empower them to lead fuller, more connected lives. His time in the hospital became a catalyst for change, fueling his determination to address the inequities he had witnessed and experienced firsthand. Each life he saw pass, each story left untold, strengthened his resolve to create a world where individuals with disabilities could find the support and respect they deserved.

"Every experience teaches us something if we’re willing to listen," Terry says. "Even in pain, there’s a lesson."

The long days in hospital beds became a period of deep reflection. Terry began to think about the societal gaps in understanding and supporting individuals with disabilities. He realized that many of the systems in place were not designed with compassion or practicality in mind. His struggles became a blueprint for change, as he envisioned creating resources and platforms that would address these shortcomings. Each conversation with fellow patients, each observation of systemic failures, and each moment of introspection became fuel for his mission to advocate and innovate.

Building a Legacy of Service and Advocacy

In the years that followed, Terry turned his hardships into action. He founded United Disabilities, a groundbreaking platform aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities and transforming societal perceptions. For Terry, this was more than just a project; it was a mission born out of deeply personal experiences.

Through United Disabilities, he worked to create a safe space where people could connect, share resources, and find support, an environment he had often lacked during his own struggles. Terry believed that building a community was the first step toward creating meaningful change.

Beyond community-building, Terry envisioned the platform as a tool to educate others about the realities faced by the disabled community, including the emotional and social isolation that often accompanies physical challenges. By integrating resources, personal stories, and advocacy efforts, United Disabilities became a hub for empowerment and understanding. Each feature of the platform reflected Terry’s core belief: that everyone deserves to be seen, valued, and supported, no matter their circumstances.

But Terry’s impact extended far beyond traditional advocacy efforts. He envisioned a future where technology could bridge the gaps that often leave disabled individuals feeling isolated and underserved. Determined to make this vision a reality, he spearheaded the development of tools like Ask Disability, an AI-driven platform designed to provide accessible resources and services tailored to the diverse needs of the disabled community. The platform was more than just a technological innovation; it was a reflection of Terry’s belief in the power of empathy combined with cutting-edge solutions.

Terry poured his personal experiences into every aspect of Ask Disability with the help of his amazing team. The platform will be built to address real-world challenges that he had encountered firsthand from navigating healthcare systems to finding inclusive spaces and services. Its intuitive features were designed with accessibility as a core principle, ensuring that users of all abilities could engage with it effortlessly. Terry understood that technology alone wasn’t enough; it needed to serve as a tool that genuinely improved lives.

Ask Disability not only showcased the practical impact of innovative technology but also highlighted Terry’s dedication to understanding and advocating for the unique needs of the disabled community. By combining his insights with advanced AI capabilities, Terry and his team are creating a platform that doesn’t just solve problems but empowers individuals to take control of their lives. Each feature of Ask Disability will be a testament to Terry’s commitment to fostering independence, dignity, and inclusion for all.

A Life of Multifaceted Impact

Terry’s contributions stretch far beyond technology and advocacy. He is a devoted single father who has navigated the complexities of raising his son while managing his health challenges. His role as a caregiver extends to his parents, embodying a deep sense of familial responsibility and love. As an active member of his community, Terry has volunteered extensively in schools, where he taught art to children, fostering creativity and confidence in young minds.

Beyond his work with children, Terry has collaborated with local businesses to support underprivileged families, leveraging his connections to secure resources for those in need. Despite enduring more than 32 surgeries and ongoing health issues, he consistently prioritizes giving back, often putting others’ needs ahead of his own. His acts of kindness, whether mentoring a struggling student, organizing community events, or simply offering words of encouragement have created ripples of positivity that extend far and wide.

Balancing these roles alongside his advocacy work is no small feat, yet Terry approaches it all with unwavering dedication. His life’s work is a testament to his belief in creating a more compassionate and inclusive society. Each gesture, no matter how small, contributes to his larger mission of showing the world what true resilience and empathy look like. Terry’s journey proves that even amidst personal struggles, one can still profoundly impact the lives of others.

Wisdom Forged Through Experience

At the heart of Terry’s philosophy lies a deeply rooted sense of purpose. His mantra, "Everything happens for a reason," is not just a phrase but a truth forged through years of struggle, reflection, and resilience. For Terry, every challenge, no matter how overwhelming, offers a lesson and an opportunity to grow. Whether it was the trials of overcoming his dyslexia as a child, enduring life-threatening health crises, or facing emotional wounds from domestic violence, Terry discovered that even the most daunting moments carried the seeds of transformation. This belief has guided him through his darkest days and allowed him to see life as a series of opportunities to learn, connect, and create meaningful change for others. It is a perspective that resonates deeply with those who know him, offering both inspiration and a reminder that growth often comes from the most unexpected places.

"We need to slow down and look around to see why God put us where we are," he says. "Sometimes it’s not about us; it’s about what we can do for others."

This perspective has profoundly shaped Terry's approach to both life and work. Whether he’s mentoring a young advocate, collaborating with his team on a groundbreaking technological solution, or simply offering a heartfelt smile to a stranger, Terry’s actions embody his belief that life’s true purpose lies in service to others. His wisdom, forged through years of hardship and triumph, carries an authenticity that resonates deeply with anyone fortunate enough to hear his story.

Conversations with Terry often leave a lasting impact. He challenges others not just to reflect on their paths but to embrace the lessons hidden within their struggles, however difficult they may seem. His ability to connect on a personal level stems from his vulnerabilities and experiences whether it was overcoming dyslexia as a child, enduring physical pain through countless surgeries, or navigating the emotional toll of domestic violence.

Through it all, Terry’s unwavering belief in finding purpose amid adversity has inspired countless individuals to approach their challenges with a renewed sense of hope and determination. His philosophy serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that growth often comes in unexpected ways and that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple outward to create meaningful change.

The Power of Resilience and Faith

Terry’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and faith. Throughout his life, he has faced moments of profound darkness from life-threatening medical crises to the emotional toll of domestic violence and yet, he has consistently chosen to find light and meaning within those challenges. Terry’s ability to transform pain into purpose, inspire others with his enduring positivity, and remain steadfast in his commitment to making a difference is nothing short of extraordinary. His story reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable trials, we can grow, find meaning, and create a legacy of hope and strength. Through his actions, Terry has shown that resilience is not about avoiding hardship but about embracing it as a catalyst for change, connection, and purpose.

Looking Ahead

As Terry continues his journey, he remains steadfast in his vision of a world where every individual regardless of their abilities or challenges is valued and celebrated for their unique contributions. His groundbreaking work with United Disabilities and Ask Disability represents just the beginning of his lifelong mission. Through these initiatives, Terry seeks to dismantle the barriers that separate people, fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding that he hopes will ripple across future generations.

Terry envisions a future where technology serves as a unifying force, bridging gaps in accessibility, and fostering deeper collaboration within communities. This vision is not limited to technological innovation but extends to a fundamental shift in how society perceives and interacts with individuals with disabilities. To Terry, empathy must become the cornerstone of how communities operate, not as a lofty ideal but as a practical framework for creating equitable opportunities and meaningful connections.

Beyond his work in technology, Terry dreams of a society where inclusivity is the standard rather than the exception. He imagines a world where individuals with disabilities are not just accommodated but embraced as essential contributors to every facet of life. His daily efforts are a reflection of this dream, as he tirelessly builds tools, fosters partnerships, and advocates for systemic change. By addressing the practical and emotional needs of the disabled community, Terry aims to create a legacy where no one feels left behind or undervalued.

He dreams of a society where inclusivity is not a goal but a given place where individuals with disabilities have equal access to resources, opportunities, and respect. His efforts are grounded in the belief that meaningful change starts with action, and he dedicates himself daily with his amazing team to building tools, platforms, and partnerships that reflect this commitment. Terry’s work goes beyond technology; it is a call to reimagine how communities can come together, guided by compassion, innovation, and shared humanity. Through his relentless dedication, he hopes to inspire others to join him in creating a world where no one is left behind.

Through his story, Terry reminds us that life’s greatest challenges can become its greatest gifts. He has faced obstacles that would leave many broken, yet he has emerged stronger, using his experiences to inspire others. His legacy is not just one of survival but of profound transformation a testament to how resilience and purpose can reshape even the most difficult journeys. Terry’s life serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable trials, we can uncover meaning, achieve growth, and foster a lasting impact. His message resonates deeply: challenges are not barriers but opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.

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The Life and Purpose of Terry Loerch