Again, and again, I heard stories about encouragement offered during difficult times, acts of generosity that were never forgotten, and simple gestures of kindness that changed someone’s direction in life. Those moments often seemed small at the time, but their impact was obvious. The more interviews we conducted, the more convinced I became that helping others is not merely something we do, it is part of who we are. When we support another person, we do not diminish ourselves. We enrich ourselves. When we offer encouragement, we often receive hope in return. When we help someone through a difficult period, we frequently discover strengths we did not know we possessed. The stories within 2nd Line W. continually pointed back to this truth. The publishing of 2nd Line W. created opportunities I never could have anticipated. One day, someone read the book and reached out to me. They recognized a message woven throughout its pages that resonated deeply with their own mission and values. That connection eventually led to an invitation to speak at an event in Toronto hosted by Empower2Recover.
Empower2Recover non-profit foundation is a movement dedicated to supporting people on their recovery journeys. While many people associate recovery solely with substance use challenges, Empower2Recover embraces a much broader understanding. Recovery can involve mental health struggles, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, illness, addiction, or any circumstance in which individuals are working to reclaim hope and improve their lives.
As I prepared for that event, I found myself reflecting on the stories I had collected while writing 2nd Line W. The more I thought about them, the more I realized that the message woven throughout those pages aligned perfectly with the mission of Empower2Recover: recovery thrives through connection; healing grows through support, community; hope multiplies when it is shared.
The same principles my mother had quietly demonstrated throughout her life were the principles being embraced by Empower2Recover. Both recognized that human beings are not meant to face life’s challenges alone. For me, it was a profound moment.
It became clear that the lessons I had uncovered while writing my mother’s story were not confined to the past. They were alive and relevant today, in that event room. They were being practiced by people who understood that healing happens most effectively when individuals are supported by community. Shortly after the event, I accepted a role with the national Empower2Recover Foundation as Community Director. The decision felt natural. In many ways, it felt like a continuation of the journey that began decades earlier while living on 2nd Line West.
My mother’s intention had always been to make life better for the people around her and Empower2Recover seeks to do the same. Both are rooted in the belief that people matter. Both recognize that connection changes lives. Both encourage individuals to look beyond themselves and contribute to the well-being of others. Ultimately, the mission is simple: leave the world a little better than you found it. That philosophy guided my mother throughout her life. It inspired the writing of 2nd Line West.
On July 3, 2026, Empower2Recover is coming to Mississauga. It is conducted in a TedTalk format, focused on mental well being. All walks of life are sharing their individual stories from movie producers, business owners to 12-step members. It is an opportunity to break down stigma, build understanding, and celebrate the strength that emerges when people support one another. It is a reminder that every individual has value and that every story matters. Most importantly, it is a celebration of the human capacity to heal, grow, and move forward together.
As I think back to those drives along 2nd Line West with open windows, the scent of hay fields, the horse barns and nature, I realize those memories represent far more than nostalgia. They remind me where a journey began. The story continues to reach new audiences. My sister Julianne and I have signed an agreement with Sunrise Films to bring 2nd Line W. to the screen. One day, audiences will have the opportunity to meet Margie through film, just as readers have through the pages of the book. And perhaps it can all be summed up in a single sentence: “Everyone deserves a second chance on 2nd Line”.
For copies of the book 2nd Line W., please visit: https://tomherstadofficial.com/
For information on the Empower2Recover event in Mississauga on July 3, please visit: www.empower2recover.com