Shatterproof

VOTE FOR CHANGE!

A year ago a close childhood friend of mine died from an accidental drug overdose.  Brian and I met at age 8 and shared many adventures together up until the day he passed. He always held high expectations for himself, pushing things to the brink of his abilities. Sometimes he hit the breaking point but always learned how to do it better the next time. He was an artist, a business man, a Blazer fan, a kind and playful soul, always with a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye. When he passed it was unexpected. It devastated our friends, family and community. Sadly it's not an uncommon story. 
Globally, there is an estimated minimum of 190,900 premature deaths caused by drugs every year. Opioids account for the majority of those deaths, and North America continues to experience the highest drug-related mortality rate in the world.  Over the past year I've been thinking about how I can help bring awareness to prevent tragedies like this from happening. 

The CHALLENGE:
In 2014, to my own surprise, I won my first world title at the World Beard & Moustache Championships. Since then I’ve won 2 additional world titles, several national titles, judged numerous competitions, garnered a social media following, and been featured in tv shows, commercials and publications around the globe -  all because of the beard I’ve just kept growing. Now it’s time to cut the legendary beard and YOU get to decide to what length or style! 

In honor of Brian, I’ve chosen to have this campaign benefit Shatterproof  , a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the devastation addiction causes to families.

When you donate, leave a comment for which category you want your dollars to go towards. By donating to this campaign you will decide what category I will compete in next! Once the campaign goal is met the category that accumulated the most "beard bucks" will determine the style I cut my beard to for the competition. Stay tuned to the campaign to keep track of the results and for details on the big reveal!

 
"Together we can reduce the stigma and secrecy associated with addiction, removing the shame felt by those struggling with this disease and their families. Together we can change the conversation about addiction."   -Shatterproof

My name is Ella Forbes, I am a sophomore at PHS. During the summer of 2019, my mother and I were welcomed with open arms into a family friend’s home that she shared with her son Dan. He was in his 2nd year of sobriety. Over the course of the summer, Dan and I became very close. On July 22, my mom and I had arrived at the house, to find Dan on his bed, unconscious, in his last battle to fight his addiction to opioids. We attempted to revive him, however we were too late. The events of that day were extremely impactful and helped shape the person I am today. 

Witnessing it had an enormous impact on my mother and I, yet the impact on Dan's family, and mother Lynn, is beyond what any person should have to experience. Ever. I knew I had to do something. Thus, I began our club One Wheeling to Heaven.

We aim to educate and reduce stigma in our community regarding substance use disorders, and bring more compassion to this topic.

In honor of Dan, we hope to help others who suffered as he did

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Shatterproof. Shatterproof is a non-profit organization aimed to understand the nature of substance use disorders and how it impacts the body, focus on treatments that have a positive relationship with healing and growth in the individuals, and reduce the negative stigma around drug abuse. Any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

Only legends die young. I am participating in the Mighty Man Montauk Half Iron on September 29, 2019 in remembrance of my brother, Max. Up until race day I will be raising funds for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the devastation that addiction causes families.

Hoops for Hope is raising awareness for substance abuse. We have an epidemic going on in our country that is not being talked about enough. It is not localized in one state, region or county and continues to pervade small communities just like North Salem. Drug addiction is a disease spreading far and wide destroying families at an alarming rate, which has been only rising is recent years. In 2016, it was reported that 1 in 7 in the U.S. will face substance addiction and only roughly 10% of those addicted receive treatment. Substance abuse is a problem for all families; it comes for the strong, weak, rich and poor alike. Hoops For Hope is raising money to increase awareness about a population of people who are battling addiction every day in a silent struggle to maintain control of their lives. Hoops for Hope has many founders and participants that have seen those who have struggled with addiction battle back, or, unfortunately, succumb to the disease. Those involved also know that addiction is not only a fight for the addict but for their loved ones who have to see them struggle and punish themselves in all aspects of life. As a charity, we raise awareness for the people out there who have stuck by their loved ones, those who stood their side-by-side without judgment, and those who have fought with unconditional love. Come join us in raising hope for a better tomorrow.