My name is Cindy Ruggiero. My son, Adam, passed on June 30 after a long battle with mental illness and alcoholism. He passed after a short battle with cancer caused by alcohol. Adam and I have fought his battle his entire adult life. My husband and I adopted him at age 2 knowing that he was a fetal alcohol baby and all that might entail. His life was a constant struggle with many admissions to various facilities. Throughout all of his struggles, he remained one of the best people I have ever known. He was witty, smart, and genuinely funny. He possessed empathy and compassion. Even in his worst moments, he reached out to help others. Because of his struggle, we were able to create The Something Sober Social Group based in Wheeling, WV. Because of Adam, the group has a steady membership of about 40 and was recently awarded a community-based grant of over $2000.00, as well as being recognized by WV Try This for promoting healthy eating and exercise habits.

Recently, he was sitting on our front porch when a young man stopped to talk. He told Adam he wanted to take his girlfriend out for her birthday, so Adam "tossed him a 20." Several days later, there was a knock on the door. The man returned to thank Adam and to return the money. THIS IS MY SON.

I am asking for help to pay his final expenses. I know that he would appreciate it, as would I. Thanks for reading this. We also will accept prayers for peace and healing!