The Backpacker Ben Project
Tax deductible
August 1, 2016 - the worst day of my life. This summer day defines my greatest fear - losing my only sibling to drug addiction. I have to constantly remind myself that I should find comfort in the fact that Ben is no longer suffering, but that only temporarily numbs the pain. The reality is my only brother was stolen from me. Never again will we share birthdays, days on the beach, or sports in the backyard. It pains me most to know that we won’t grow old together, with families of our own to share experiences with. A lifetime of memories now, and forever, just out of reach.
As a younger brother, Ben was many things to me - the occasional nuisance, a rival, a friend, and a partner for life. I longed for the day that we could share adventures together, freed of his demons. As I continue to grieve I know, more than ever, that day will never come.
I created the Backpacker Ben project as a way to keep our dreams alive. My hope is that taking Ben traveling will serve as a tool to increase awareness for a cause that touches far too many lives - addiction. There is still a future for those that are still here; a future I wish Ben could be a part of.
In memory of Ben, I would like to raise $2,311.24 representing the 23 years, 11 months, and 24 days that we were fortunate enough to spend with his infectious, fun-loving personality. I believe that Ben was happiest when pursuing his passions - music and sports - which led me to the non-profit Natural High. I think it pairs perfectly with this project, as its mantra is to pursue a natural high through positive, personally rewarding activities. What's your natural high?
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“We know that what our youth believe to be true about their peers and their heroes influences their behavior. We inspire youth to discover their Natural High! We know if youth love life and live their Natural High they can say YES TO LIFE and no to an artificial high. We provide educators with 50 role-model storyteller videos paired with a 150 science- based curriculum that is FREE, Easy to use and meets Common Core Standards. Pushing the age out of FIRST USE can significantly reduce kids’ chances of developing drug and alcohol addiction.” — Executive Summary https://naturalhigh.org
More info: https://naturalhigh.org/wp-content/themes/naturalhigh/assets/NaturalHighResearchOverview.pdf
As a younger brother, Ben was many things to me - the occasional nuisance, a rival, a friend, and a partner for life. I longed for the day that we could share adventures together, freed of his demons. As I continue to grieve I know, more than ever, that day will never come.
I created the Backpacker Ben project as a way to keep our dreams alive. My hope is that taking Ben traveling will serve as a tool to increase awareness for a cause that touches far too many lives - addiction. There is still a future for those that are still here; a future I wish Ben could be a part of.
In memory of Ben, I would like to raise $2,311.24 representing the 23 years, 11 months, and 24 days that we were fortunate enough to spend with his infectious, fun-loving personality. I believe that Ben was happiest when pursuing his passions - music and sports - which led me to the non-profit Natural High. I think it pairs perfectly with this project, as its mantra is to pursue a natural high through positive, personally rewarding activities. What's your natural high?
_______________________________________________________
“We know that what our youth believe to be true about their peers and their heroes influences their behavior. We inspire youth to discover their Natural High! We know if youth love life and live their Natural High they can say YES TO LIFE and no to an artificial high. We provide educators with 50 role-model storyteller videos paired with a 150 science- based curriculum that is FREE, Easy to use and meets Common Core Standards. Pushing the age out of FIRST USE can significantly reduce kids’ chances of developing drug and alcohol addiction.” — Executive Summary https://naturalhigh.org
More info: https://naturalhigh.org/wp-content/themes/naturalhigh/assets/NaturalHighResearchOverview.pdf
Organizer
Alex Miller
Organizer
Bethlehem, PA
Natural High
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
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