This is our Nephew Gavin. He’s a sweet, soft spoken 7th grader that loves playing video games and spending time with his family. For the past couple of years Gavin has consistently been faced with bullying and the depression that gripped him as a result. His diminutive stature and a personality that sometimes challenged the norm made him a regular target of ridicule. On the morning of Oct 13th Gavin was found unconscious in his bed. He would end up at a children’s hospital in the Intensive Care Unit where he has remained. Gavin had taken a near lethal dose of Fentanyl which he acquired from a friend at his small town Junior High School. Unknown to his family, 12 year old Gavin had turned to drugs in an attempt to cope with a seemingly intolerable existence. 

Our intentions for posting his story are two-fold. First, the financial challenges have compounded quickly. The family could genuinely use help as the cost of missed work, meals, fuel and medical expenses is mounting. Second, and probably more important, let this story serve as a reality check. Even if you can't help with expenses, help by sharing the story. He's only 12! Drugs are everywhere. Not only in urban, economically distressed communities but in our backyards. Upper class, middle class, white, black, Democrat, Republican, it doesn’t matter. All evidence points to a situation in which young Gavin was simply trying to hide, to numb the pain that he continued to experience. Talk to your kids about drugs and bullying because in the end, they are our treasures and large or small, they all have issues that they are trying to navigate.

All money raised will be given to the family to help out with anything related to Gavin's care and recovery. Anything raised in excess of their needs will be donated to a related charity to help this from happening to others. 

Thank you for reading. All the best to you and yours.