Losing a loved one is always painful, but losing your only child is something no parent should ever have to go through. For Tisa Whack from Charleston, South Carolina, life changed forever nearly ten years ago when her 23-year-old son, Tyrell, was taken from her due to gun violence. Despite the deep pain, Tisa has found strength and purpose in honouring her son’s memory and helping others who have suffered similar loss.
A Life Full of Promise Cut Short
Tyrell was just 23 years old when his life was tragically cut short. He was married, had started a family, and was filled with dreams for a bright future. He had so much to look forward to, but all of that ended suddenly due to gun violence.
For Tisa, the loss was more than heartbreaking. Tyrell was her only child, and losing him left a huge emptiness in her life. It’s the kind of grief that never truly goes away.
A Mother’s Strength Through Grief
Instead of allowing the pain to consume her, Tisa decided to channel her grief into something positive. She began to find ways to honour her son’s memory—not just for herself, but for others who are also dealing with the heartbreak of losing someone to gun violence.
By turning her pain into purpose, Tisa has become a source of support and hope for other grieving families. Her efforts help people feel less alone, and they show how even in the darkest times, love can lead to healing.
Keeping Tyrell’s Memory Alive
Tisa’s journey is not just about healing herself, but also about keeping her son’s spirit alive. She has taken steps to create awareness around gun violence and its devastating effects on families and communities. Through remembrance events, support for other mothers, and public conversations, she makes sure that Tyrell is never forgotten.
Each time she shares her story, Tisa is also speaking for many other families who have faced similar tragedies. Her strength gives others the courage to keep going, even when it feels impossible.
Turning Tragedy Into Purpose
Gun violence continues to affect families across the United States, and the pain it leaves behind can last a lifetime. What Tisa is doing reminds us all that even after deep loss, it is possible to rise again—with love, support, and a mission that matters.
She is an example of how one person can use personal pain to help heal others. Her story shows that a mother’s love never fades, even when her child is no longer physically present.
Tisa Whack’s story is one of heartbreak, love, and courage. By keeping her son Tyrell’s memory alive, she has turned her sorrow into strength—not just for herself, but for many others walking the same path. Her work brings comfort to grieving families and spreads awareness about the impact of gun violence. In honouring Tyrell, Tisa is changing lives and proving that even through loss, hope and love can still shine.
