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Have you ever met someone whose sole purpose in life is helping and uplifting others?
Meet Tara Middleton: an overcomer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, motivational speaker and writer.
At 30 years old, Tara fell down the stairs at work and went to the physician just to complete a routine
accident report. What she thought would be a simple appointment, turned into a life altering moment.
She was diagnosed with a rare inoperable brain tumor and was forced to leave her career in the
medical insurance industry which was her livelihood.
Tara was in a tough space now. She had more responsibilities than ever with the additional medical
bills and insurance, and zero income. Due to the rarity of the illness, Tara discovered that most
cancer associations do not support brain cancer patients. So she had a major fight ahead—one she
never expected.
“I would wake up one day and I was able to live my life as normal, or what was my normal. Then one
day I wouldn’t be able to walk or do anything to care for myself. I started living with a new normal,”
Tara tells EEW Magazine.
Still, her faith and relationship in God remained strong. This is what gave her the will to fight in the
midst of all these challenges.
In the midst of all she was going through personally, this remarkably courageous woman started an
organization called Rare Rubies to help others discover their purpose and maximize their potential.
Tara even developed a mentorship program designed to develop others’ gifts, confidence, courage
and character, while providing a sense of community through workshops, mentoring and conferences.
After being in hospice for a few months, Tara received a huge surprise. Through The Dream
Foundation and Hospice Care of South Carolina, she met Tamar Braxton, former co-host of The Real.
This platform gave Tara the opportunity to share her story and inspire others to believe they can
overcome any obstacle they may face.
Since that time, Tara has been working with women’s shelters, community centers, community
colleges, ministries, and charities like Dream Foundation and St. Jude. Impressively, she has now
expanded the reach of Rare Rubies by launching chapters in cities across the U.S and in other
countries, as she travels around the world motivating others to pursue their dreams.
“I am devoted to awakening people to their purpose and guiding them as they walk in their
assignments,” said Tara. “I know that is what I was created to do. I believe true happiness comes from
doing the very thing you were born to do and what you are truly passionate about.”
Tara has faced many challenges beyond fighting her own illness. She has been the primary caregiver
for her terminally ill mother, battled through relationship issues, heartache and career challenges.
Nevertheless, those challenges haven’t hindered Tara from stepping out in faith to fulfill her dream
and purpose.
“I have heard many say the graveyard is considered one of the wealthiest places on earth because
there are so many people that die with unfulfilled dreams, goals, and ideas,” Tara told EEW. “I have
made it my mission to make it the poorest. Treasure lies within all of us. I don’t want anyone to leave
any treasure undiscovered.”
On Sunday, October 2, Tara celebrated her 34th birthday-- something she's excited about.
"This has been one of the most challenging years of my life but it has also been the greatest. I have
learned so much about myself and had the opportunity to grow," she wrote on Instagram.
Tara added, "I have also seen how amazing God is and have experienced Him in different ways than
before. I'm looking forward to this next year and all the great things ahead!"
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