Her Iife was at stake, and she did the one thing that couId save her: She ordered a pizza

Cheryl Treadway, from Highlands County, Florida, found herself and her children held hostage at knifepoint by her boyfriend, Ethan Nickerson, on May 4, 2015.

Desperate for help, she turned to her phone’s Pizza Hut app to place an order for a small hand-tossed pepperoni pizza. But along with her order, she included a chilling note. She asked the restaurant to send help, revealing she was being held hostage.

Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline provide vital resources for individuals in abusive relationships, including a safety planning tool. This tool offers survivors guidance on how to leave an abusive situation, legal information, and other critical advice. For many, leaving an abusive relationship isn’t a simple decision—it requires careful planning and support.

Treadway’s story highlights the importance of paying attention to subtle cries for help. In her case, the Pizza Hut staff acted quickly and decisively, saving lives. But not every plea for help is as clear, and it’s crucial for all of us—including 911 operators, police, and the general public—to recognize the signs of abuse and take them seriously

Thankfully, in Treadway’s case, someone was listening—and that made all the difference.