Donor Spotlight: Judy Dyrud

                                                Pictured: Judy with her best buddy, the miniature poodle, Jazz

It’s not every day that a grade school reunion changes the course of your giving. But for Judy Dyrud of Grand Junction, Colorado, reconnecting with Sister Irene O’Neill after more than 50 years did just that. Since 2018, after Judy’s 8th-grade reunion with Sister Irene, her thoughtful approach to giving has helped fuel Sister-led solutions around the world. 

As Sister Irene reflects, “Who knew that reconnecting after 50 years would be so impactful? 

For Judy, that moment sparked something. “I went up to Irene and said, ‘You look fantastic, what have you been up to?’” Judy recalls. “She started telling me about Sisters Rising Worldwide, and I said, ‘Do you take donations?’ Irene said, ‘Oh yes!” 

What Judy heard next changed everything.

Having spent much of her life carefully managing resources alongside her late husband, Judy approaches philanthropy with both heart and discernment. “I’m always looking for charities,” she says, “but I’m pretty fussy. I always want to see the pie chart—how much is going to programs versus fundraising.”

But with SRW, there was no ambiguity.

“Then I realized—these are nuns. They’ve taken a vow of poverty. None of them are getting paid. And I thought, that’s exactly what I’m looking for.”

That clarity continues to resonate deeply with her. Today, through the generosity of dedicated backers, SRW’s 100% Promise ensures that every donation goes directly to Sister-led projects around the world. “I always want to know what percent is going to programs,” she says. “With Sisters Rising, it’s clear. You know your gift is going exactly where it’s needed.”

Judy’s passion for global awareness also contributes to her commitment. From an early age, she was drawn to understanding the challenges facing people beyond her immediate surroundings. “I’ve always been interested in what’s happening in the world,” she shares. “There are so many people suffering in different ways. What amazed me was learning that some Sisters are working in war or gang-inflicted zones, yet the rebels leave the Sisters alone because they’re trusted. Even in conflict, they’re allowed to keep doing their work. That’s incredible.” 

One story, in particular, has stayed with her.

“There was a Sister who needed a school bus because children were walking miles to school, sometimes through mud in the rainy season. They had it down to the dollar what they needed, and SRW helped provide that bus. That’s what I love. It’s very specific. You’re giving to a real Sister, in a real place, for a real need.” 

Judy’s approach to giving is rooted in her belief that every person deserves care. “My Catholicism is that every person, everywhere, has dignity and worth,” she says. Sister Irene adds, “Judy’s support reflects a deep trust in Sisters on the ground to serve those most in need. She sees the dignity in every person served and understands the power of supporting Sisters who are already there.”

Now retired, Judy worked for many years in publishing and advertising. And while she tells others about SRW, she also envisions SRW growing into the premier charity for anyone who wants to bypass bureaucracies and help people at immediate, local levels. "If I had the power," she says with a smile, "I'd put SRW on every front page."    

Beyond her interest in charitable giving, Judy enjoys all of the fine arts. She loves art museums and has spent years singing professionally in churches and occasionally acting in community theater. "Not just musicals, Shakespeare!" she laughs. Judy still sings at her church and recently wrote a one-act play, which was performed at a local festival. She remains connected with friends in several cities, including Sister Irene.

As Judy discovered, sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with a simple conversation and a willingness to say, “yes.”

Like Judy, you can help ensure that Sisters, already embedded in communities around the world, have the resources they need to respond, to lead, and to transform lives. And you can give with Judy’s confidence, knowing that 100% of your donation goes directly to Sister-led projects. Visit www.srw.org/needs 

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