Keith Kolman Treatment Scholarship
Donation protected
Robert Keith Kolman was born on Cinco de Mayo in 1987. From a very young age he was socially outgoing and made friends with anyone, every where he went. A childhood friend recalls crying after being dropped off for his first day of Kindergarten. Keith walked over and instantly befriended him. That was the kind of guy he was- whether you were outgoing and popular or shy and withdrawn, he wanted to be friends with everyone, and make everyone feel good.
By the time he was a teenager he discovered that he had an immense passion for flying air planes, and it became his life goal to become a professional pilot. His disposition was also an inquisitive one. Intellectually, he was well above average, and was always seeking to learn new things. One of the things he became interested in and fascinated by was drugs. What started out as experimentation became a necessity. He was in and out of his first rehab by the age of 18. Despite this terrible affliction, he still had a huge lust for life, made many friends and never stopped trying new things. He loved sky diving, and anything potentially exciting. If it wasn't a particularly fun activity, he made it his goal to add pizazz and make it entertaining. He fancied himself an "adrenaline junkie". He had this magnetic, energizing aura about him that made you want to go on an adventure, to try something new, to get out of your shell. He loved life.
Throughout his twenties he battled severe opiate addiction. He managed to get clean here and there, but the ever-present, nagging urge never truly left him. Subsequently he was also in and out of jail. Always dealing with the courts, while simultaneously trying to maintain sobriety. There was never enough money to be able to afford the long-term treatment and half-way housing someone like Keith needs.
Unfortunately, the State of Florida has repeatedly cut funding for rehabilitation programs that help thousands of people just like Keith. The answer is not jail. They say that there are programs in jails that help, but those programs don't offer the support that leads to successful, long-term recovery.
In the process of trying to alleviate withdrawal, Keith lost his battle with his addiction. He had been trying to get into a long-term treatment center. Words can't describe the emotional devastation that ripples through the many lives touched by someone as special as Keith.
Tampa Crossroads is a local rehab that does a lot of good in the community. The CEO would like to start a Keith Kolman Treatment Scholarship that will provide the financial means necessary for treatment, services and rehabilitation to others in need. All money raised here will be directly donated to this cause. We can't think of a more fitting way to honor such an amazing man, and it is our hope that out of this tragedy, this scholarship will save someone's life. No amount is too small, and each and every contribution is meaningful.
Keith's mom asks that in lieu of flowers for the funeral, that you please donate here. We thank you for remembering and honoring Keith.
By the time he was a teenager he discovered that he had an immense passion for flying air planes, and it became his life goal to become a professional pilot. His disposition was also an inquisitive one. Intellectually, he was well above average, and was always seeking to learn new things. One of the things he became interested in and fascinated by was drugs. What started out as experimentation became a necessity. He was in and out of his first rehab by the age of 18. Despite this terrible affliction, he still had a huge lust for life, made many friends and never stopped trying new things. He loved sky diving, and anything potentially exciting. If it wasn't a particularly fun activity, he made it his goal to add pizazz and make it entertaining. He fancied himself an "adrenaline junkie". He had this magnetic, energizing aura about him that made you want to go on an adventure, to try something new, to get out of your shell. He loved life.
Throughout his twenties he battled severe opiate addiction. He managed to get clean here and there, but the ever-present, nagging urge never truly left him. Subsequently he was also in and out of jail. Always dealing with the courts, while simultaneously trying to maintain sobriety. There was never enough money to be able to afford the long-term treatment and half-way housing someone like Keith needs.
Unfortunately, the State of Florida has repeatedly cut funding for rehabilitation programs that help thousands of people just like Keith. The answer is not jail. They say that there are programs in jails that help, but those programs don't offer the support that leads to successful, long-term recovery.
In the process of trying to alleviate withdrawal, Keith lost his battle with his addiction. He had been trying to get into a long-term treatment center. Words can't describe the emotional devastation that ripples through the many lives touched by someone as special as Keith.
Tampa Crossroads is a local rehab that does a lot of good in the community. The CEO would like to start a Keith Kolman Treatment Scholarship that will provide the financial means necessary for treatment, services and rehabilitation to others in need. All money raised here will be directly donated to this cause. We can't think of a more fitting way to honor such an amazing man, and it is our hope that out of this tragedy, this scholarship will save someone's life. No amount is too small, and each and every contribution is meaningful.
Keith's mom asks that in lieu of flowers for the funeral, that you please donate here. We thank you for remembering and honoring Keith.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amy K. Webb
Organizer
St. Petersburg, FL
Sara Romeo
Beneficiary