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Millions of people battle addiction every day. On October 15, 2018, at the age of 23, Charles A. Mussen, VI lost his battle with opioid addiction. Throughout his brief but spirited life, Charles was known to others as Joey, Charlie, Carlos, Clark Kent, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, neighbor, friend. His passion for life was contagious as he made a memorable impact on everyone who came to know him. He loved life and life loved him.
For many, trying to manage their addiction or mental illness is not something they can do alone. The more people that become involved in their treatment, and the more love and support they have in their journey for recovery, the better chance they have at prevailing. Joey had a lot of love around him. He was liked by all, but loved by many. The severity of this disease runs deeper than the drug itself.
If you or anyone you know shares similar struggles, you have choices and there is help out there. Be strong enough to speak up. For many people, managing their addiction or mental illness cannot be done alone. Ask for help. Offer help. Be loud. Be involved. Stay engaged… constantly. And above all else, care. Out of the darkness that consumes the addicted, Charles found light in the unwavering support provided by those who cared for and loved him.
Charles’s celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, October 20 at 1:00 PM at Tonawanda Island Launch Club, 90 Taylor Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that instead, donations be made to honor Joey. By donating to this cause, you are supporting further education, treatment, advocacy, and awareness around the disease of addiction. The proceeds received will be going to a fund supporting mental health and substance abuse agencies. Joey unfortunately lost his battle with addiction, but sharing his story can give us the opportunity to help others who are chased by the same demons.
(Note: To be transparent, the money will be transferred to my bank account (Meghan) straight from this donation page so it's all in one place. From there, I will be writing checks out to the 2 nonprofit organizations that we are donating to: Horizon Health Services and Compeer. Thank you.)
For many, trying to manage their addiction or mental illness is not something they can do alone. The more people that become involved in their treatment, and the more love and support they have in their journey for recovery, the better chance they have at prevailing. Joey had a lot of love around him. He was liked by all, but loved by many. The severity of this disease runs deeper than the drug itself.
If you or anyone you know shares similar struggles, you have choices and there is help out there. Be strong enough to speak up. For many people, managing their addiction or mental illness cannot be done alone. Ask for help. Offer help. Be loud. Be involved. Stay engaged… constantly. And above all else, care. Out of the darkness that consumes the addicted, Charles found light in the unwavering support provided by those who cared for and loved him.
Charles’s celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, October 20 at 1:00 PM at Tonawanda Island Launch Club, 90 Taylor Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that instead, donations be made to honor Joey. By donating to this cause, you are supporting further education, treatment, advocacy, and awareness around the disease of addiction. The proceeds received will be going to a fund supporting mental health and substance abuse agencies. Joey unfortunately lost his battle with addiction, but sharing his story can give us the opportunity to help others who are chased by the same demons.
(Note: To be transparent, the money will be transferred to my bank account (Meghan) straight from this donation page so it's all in one place. From there, I will be writing checks out to the 2 nonprofit organizations that we are donating to: Horizon Health Services and Compeer. Thank you.)