About a year ago, a young man came to our front door talking about this organization he belonged, called Shatterproof. He was an addict, sober at the moment and wanting to get the word out about this amazing organization that worked to eliminate the stigma of addiction, so we could talk about it.
At the time, one of our best friends, who lived in the back house at 709 Rita St, was living with her son Destry and his addiction. I listened to the young man at my door. He spoke clearly and was passionate about what he was describing. And I understood. There is a huge stigma against those who are addicted. Because of this perception that addicts are bad people, we stay clear and we don’t talk about it. This lack of communication and sense of isolation only fuels the addiction.
I wanted to help so I wrote a check and gave the young man at my door all my contact information to forward onto Shatterproof. I told him I was proud of him and wished him luck.
Eight months later our friend’s son Destry overdosed just before his 21st birthday. His death is the saddest thing I have ever experienced. No one will ever be the same, especially his mother. Rachel cries every day. She wants her son back!
I feel a great sense of responsibility to ensure we all understand that people who are addicted are first and foremost people. Everyone needs people to talk with, to be heard and to hear, to feel understood. That means reaching out and starting a conversation and not being afraid.
So here we are at this Shatterproof Rise Up Against Addiction fundraiser 5k run/walk event coming up very soon Sunday June 24. I setup a team called Team 709 Rita St to run/walk in honor of Destry to make some money toward eliminating the stigma surrounding addiction.
The run/walk is Sunday June 24 in Los Angeles. It would be great to walk with you. Or, you may simply donate a few bucks to this great cause.
Click here to read about the Shatterproof fundraising event.
Love you all!!