Our family is incredibly honored and humbled to share that our 13-year-old daughter, Mariah George, has been nominated by a representative of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the Fentanyl Free America Excellence in Protection Award. She has been invited to attend the DEA’s Fentanyl Free America Summit in Orlando, Florida, from July 13–16, 2026. This opportunity came as a complete surprise, and while we are deeply grateful for this recognition, all travel expenses are the responsibility of our family. We are seeking support to help cover registration fees of $1,205 each adult (Mariah’s is covered)and her little sisters is $895., airfare, hotel accommodations, and transportation for Mariah and family.

Mariah’s advocacy journey began with a heartbreaking loss. On April 16, 2018, our family lost her beloved 16-year-old brother, Brayden George, to fentanyl poisoning. Although Mariah was very young when Brayden passed away, she has grown up carrying his memory and legacy in her heart. Rather than allowing grief to define her, she has chosen to transform that loss into a mission of education, awareness, and prevention.

Community outreach has become the passion of her young heart. Over the past several years, Mariah has courageously shared Brayden’s story throughout our community, helping educate others about the dangers of fentanyl and the devastating impact it continues to have on families across our nation. Last year, she had the honor of speaking at the Walk for Lives event in San Francisco alongside non profits like United Against Fentanyl, helping raise awareness and giving a voice to families affected by this crisis.

Mariah also volunteers with Micah’s Hugs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families impacted by substance-related loss through education, advocacy, and community connection. She bravely addressed the Sebastopol City council when they denied Micah’s Hugs to put a refurbished newspaper stand with free Narcan in front of the library. 

The DEA’s Fentanyl Free America Summit brings together families, prevention advocates, educators, public health leaders, law enforcement professionals, and community organizations from across the country who are united in the fight against fentanyl. Being nominated for this award is an incredible honor and a testament to the impact Mariah is already making as a young advocate. Attending this summit will give her the opportunity to learn from national leaders, connect with other youth advocates and community changemakers, and bring valuable knowledge and resources back to the communities she serves. Most importantly, it will help her continue honoring Brayden’s memory by educating others and working to prevent other families from experiencing the same unimaginable loss.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will help make this opportunity possible. If you are unable to donate, we would be deeply grateful if you would share Mariah’s story with others. Thank you for supporting a remarkable young girl who has turned unimaginable loss into a mission of hope, education, and prevention. Through her courage, compassion, and determination, Brayden’s memory continues to touch lives and inspire change. Together, we can help Mariah continue her work, amplify her voice, and honor Brayden’s legacy by saving lives through awareness and education.

With heartfelt gratitude, The George Family

“One life lost is too many. One life saved makes every effort worthwhile.”