From a Difficult Choice to a New Purpose: The Journey of a Pro-Life Advocate
Imagine this: a young woman named Nelly Roach, just 18 years old, sitting in a Planned Parenthood clinic, clutching $246 in her hands. This is a moment filled with stress, uncertainty, and a swirling mix of emotions. “I found myself there, as many people find themselves, in a place where they don’t feel that they have any options,” she recounts with a heavy heart. Born on the tiny island of Palau, Nelly moved to Missouri as a teenager for better educational opportunities. Raised in a close-knit Catholic family, she bore the weight of cultural expectations, feeling a profound responsibility to support her community, the Palauans.
The Breaking Point
As she sat waiting, the internal conflict raged within her. Nelly felt the pressure of needing to make a choice, “for the greater good of being able to help fellow Palauans,” yet deep down, she battled against a sense of moral wrongdoing. Would this decision lead her to a better future or trap her in regret? When her name was finally called, she had a moment that would define her life. “Had I turned left … I would have had an abortion in a matter of minutes,” she reflects. Instead, a sense of divine intervention prompted her to turn right and walk out, eventually giving birth to a healthy son who is now 32 years old.
Finding Her Path
After that pivotal moment, Nelly began to carve out a successful career in marketing. Over two decades, she kept her story largely to herself, sharing it with no one except her mother. However, everything changed when she spoke at a marketing conference. During the event, a representative from a pro-life organization approached her, seeking insights on how to engage women facing similar dilemmas. Nelly acknowledges, “I still believe that it was a divine conversation.” Although not necessarily identifying as pro-life at that moment, she felt compelled to contribute to something greater.
Turning Point
This encounter ignited a fire within her. She went on to establish a pro-life branch of her marketing company called Choose Life Marketing. Today, Nelly leads a dedicated team, all of whom are committed to advocating for life. They support pregnancy resource centers in their mission to reach women who might feel trapped in challenging situations just as she once did. “Everyone in our agency has been vetted to be 100% pro-life,” Nelly emphasizes, showcasing their dedication to understanding the emotional and cultural nuances of the topic.
Aiming for Excellence
Through Choose Life Marketing, Nelly and her team work tirelessly to ensure that the resources are accessible to those in need, providing information and support for women contemplating their choices. Nelly is passionate about the impact they can have, stating, “We also understand the ramifications of not performing with excellence.” This reflects a commitment not just to the pro-life cause but to fully supporting women in their journeys.
A Personal Mission
Nelly’s passionate advocacy is not just about stats or policies; it’s deeply personal. She hopes to inspire others who may find themselves at a crossroads – to know that they have options and support available to them. By sharing her story and collaborating with pro-life organizations, she has found her purpose.
Concluding Thoughts
As she continues her work and inspires change, Nelly Roach stands as a beacon of hope for those facing difficult choices, proving that one decision can lead to a lifetime of impact, not just for an individual but for an entire community.
