Friend, Brother, Son, Addiction

Blake and I started our friendship back in 2009 and soon became inseparable. Together, we conquered most everything life could throw at a couple of 17 year old boys. The one thing we couldn't conquer on our own was addiction. We had no idea what we were getting into, or what it would cost us. 

As with everything else, we both started down the road to recovery together. We fought for years to recover from the sickness that was starting to destroy our lives. We both had success and failures along the way. Even now after I've been clean for over 14 months, it's still a struggle to remain that way. Battling addiction and staying clean is something you work on every minute of every day. One slip and you're right back at the beginning of the road.

The thing about loosing the battle with addiction is that its not the addict that suffers, its everyone who loved them. Blake's mom, Tonya loved her son, and wants to reach out to anyone who is struggling with the disease.  She has been in Blake's corner as he fought the battle and wants to continue to help those who fight the demons of addiction. She has been trying to support everyone who has been affected by Blake's passing, but could use some help with finalizing the early passing of her beloved son.

My name is Gregory Cruz and I'm from Bend Oregon. I have been friends with the Karlowicz family for several years. We are making this Go Fund Me page to help to cover the costs occurred from unexpectedly loosing Blake. Any funds left over will go towards a celebration of life event organized by Blake's mom, dad and brother. 

If we could help out Blake's family with his final costs, it would help relieve some of the stress they have to deal with on top of loosing a loved one who was trying to beat his addiction.