Video: Willow's story of healing
Published Dec. 3, 2025
Willow grew up in the Black Hills in an outdoors-oriented family. When she was young, she felt self-conscious and embarrassed about the birthmark on her face.
As a young teen she started using smoking and drinking and by 16 she had tried meth. Early legal trouble followed, and in adulthood her addiction shifted toward opioids.
The years that followed were chaotic and painful. She lost her children in 2017, her house burned down and although she stopped drugs for a time, she turned to heavy drinking while on a 24/7 program.
Willow cycled through Drug Court, unstable relationships and multiple attempts at treatment. A major turning point came after another CPS report surfaced. Feeling lost, she left for Sioux Falls and checked herself into treatment.
She committed fully. She started Suboxone, began exercising and learned to counter negative thoughts. Prayer became an anchor. Each day, she chooses to pursue healing rather than let her losses define her.