As a behavioral health nurse, Jacqueline Ahearn-Snyder knows what it's like to dedicate her life to help people in need.

Now, the tables have been turned, and Ahearn-Snyder is in need of assistance after she and her daughter were struck head-on in a crash by a driver who was under the influence back in June.The crash took place at 6:08 p.m. on June 10 in the 500 block of Jacobsburg Road in Bethlehem. The 23-year-old who hit Ahearn-Snyder and her daughter was charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, careless driving and failure to stay in the proper lane.Unfortunately for Ahearn-Snyder, 51, of Bethlehem, the effects linger, as she has not been able to return to her job due to the injuries she sustained.A single mom, she and her two children live in a townhouse. However, Ahearn-Snyder received an eviction notice because she is $1,800 behind in rent.A caring co-workerEnter Ahearn-Snyder's co-worker, Amanda Tyahla.A psychiatric nurse on the behavioral health unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg in Bethlehem, Tyahla said Ahearn-Snyder "is a wonderful nurse.""In our field, we see many patients with diagnoses including alcohol and substance abuse," Tyahla said. "It hits close to home."Since Ahearn-Snyder is not a full-time employee, she is ineligible for a leave of absence and short-term disability, Tyahla said.To add insult to injury, Ahearn-Snyder has contacted the Red Cross, Welfare, for assistance, but was turned away due to lack of funding, said Tyahla.Tyahla said Ahearn-Snyder's landlord has said that if she is able to pay the full amount in a timely manner, she will be able to keep her home.Also, Ahearn-Snyder's electric bill is now up to $800, and if she doesn't pay at least $200 within the next 10 days, it will be shut off, she said. On top of that, Ahearn-Snyder's car payment is due, not to mention the cost to pay for food and car insurance, Tyahla said."Jacqui just spoke with her doctor and begged him to clear her for work, even though she still does not have full use of her thumb," she said. "She is continuing to go to physical therapy and occupational therapy every week, and she may need surgery down the road."Tyahla added, "As it stands, Jacqui may be forced to live in a shelter a shelter and send her two children to live with their father."The fundraiserA graduate of Palmerton Area High School, Tyahla said she came up with the idea to use booster.com as a way for people to donate money through a secure site."I know a lot of people like to collect money for co-workers who are in need of it, but booster.com allowed me to spread the word through social media, and it also keeps track of my progress (as far as money being raised)," she said."I didn't just want to raise money for Jacqui; I wanted to spread awareness about the hazards of driving under the influence and the negative impact it has on innocent people."In addition, Tyahla designed a T-shirt that is available for purchase, with the proceeds going to Ahearn-Snyder and her children. The front of the T-shirt reads "don't drive under the influence" and the back reads "ask me for information about AA or NA.""So, it serves a dual purpose," she said. "Also, those purchasing T-shirts feel like they're not only donating money, but they're raising awareness about a serious problem which has directly affected Jacqui's life."Anyone who would like to make a donation may visit

www.booster.com/help-a-nurse-in-need.Tyahla said she has two goals for the fundraiser: "To help a friend/co-worker/single mom in need, and to raise awareness about the negative effects driving under the influence has, and to share some resources that the community may not know exist."I don't want Jacqui to lose her house; I don't want her to lose everything she's worked so hard for," she said. "She spent years on a unit that tries to get addicts help, and her life was turned upside down by an addict."Help is availableTyahla said many services are available for people who suffer from substance abuse problems, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, as well as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which advocates for access to services, treatment, support and research, and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for those in need.She said NAMI is the foundation for hundreds of state organizations, affiliates and volunteer leaders who work in local communities across the country to raise awareness and provide essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs.Tyahla said NAMI offers monthly peer support groups for those with mental illness issues. The sessions are intimate and confidential, allowing attendees to share and benefit from the experiences of others.Tyahla noted that NAMI also offers family support group sessions, which allow families to share and benefit from the experiences of others.People age 18 to 30 who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed or depressed, may seek out NAMI, which provides an outlet where they are able to talk with other young adults in a confidential setting.For a calendar of NAMI events, visit

http://www.namipalehighvalley.org/Calendar.aspx.