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Dick (85) and Barb Ivey (78) have been pillars of the Celina community for
decades. They have shown up, served faithfully, and been a support system for so
many families, always without hesitation. Now, it’s our turn to show up for them.
Their grandson has been courageously battling addiction and recently experienced
homelessness. Through the Ivey’s unwavering love and determination, they were
able to get him into a rehabilitation facility. The cost of treatment so far has paid by
his parents, grandparents and insurance, but additional support is needed as he
transitions into sober living and works toward rebuilding his life.
This season is about hope, restoration, and coming together as a community. We
are asking for your support in helping the Ivey family walk alongside their
grandson during this incredibly difficult, but hopeful chapter.
Any amount makes a difference. Every prayer, share, and donation helps.
Thank you, Celina, for being the kind of community that lifts one another up when
it matters most.
A note from the Iveys: We love our grandson, Hunter J. Gombac (30), deeply.
All we want is for him to be healthy, whole, and free from the grip of addiction.
Just a year ago this Christmas season Hunter had a productive career as a food and
beverage director at a local country club. He was loved by his coworkers and
customers. He was active with his freinds and family. The loss of a relationship and
other life stressors changed his focus and lead to him looking for comfort in all the
wrong places.
Sadly, Hunter is not alone. Across Texas, young adults are being devastated by
Kratom and its ultra-potent derivative 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)— they are
legal, over-the-counter, substances often sold openly in gas stations, vape shops,
and convenience stores under the misleading label of “natural supplements.” Many
users are unaware of their addictive potential and associated risks.
This GoFundMe campaign provides immediate, practical resources so Hunter can continue treatment, meet basic obligations and focus fully on recovery.
Addiction Is a Medical Condition, Not a Moral Failing. Addiction runs deep in Hunter’s family system. Both parents, a grandfather, and
even great-grandparents struggled with alcoholism or drug dependence. Medical
research shows that up to 60% of addiction risk is genetic. For individuals with this
inherited vulnerability, even limited exposure can trigger a powerful and
compulsive brain response.Hunter’s vulnerability was further compounded by
childhood trauma, anxiety, and easy access to inexpensive, unregulated substances
marketed as safe. This is not a moral failure. It is a medical condition that requires
treatment, structure, compassion—and ongoing support.
Hunter’s Battle with Kratom and 7-OH
What these substances are:
Kratom is a plant-derived substance with stimulant and opioid-like effects. 7-OH
is a concentrated metabolite that binds to the same opioid receptors as morphine
and is approximately 13 times more potent. Kratom and 7-OH are sold legally in
many retail locations.
How dependence develops:
Because of the easy access many people begin using Kratom for energy, pain
relief, or anxiety. No prescription required. Tolerance can develop quickly leading
to escalating use and in some cases, transitioning to the more potent 7-OH. Weekly
costs can exceed several hundred dollars.
Why are they dangerous:
• Products are unregulated; dosages vary widely…more is better
• Withdrawal symptoms include severe anxiety, chills, nausea, insomnia, and
depression
• Standard drug screens often do not detect these substances making it easy to keep
using without accountibility
Hunter’s experience followed this tragic but increasingly common progression.
The Impact on Hunter’s Life
Loss of housing, employment, and transportation
Multiple car accidents and a DUI
Severe isolation from family and friends
A 5-day stay at LifePath Crisis Center (McKinney, TX) on susicide watch
This crisis marked a turning point and led Hunter to acknowledge his addiction and
commitment to detox and residential treatment on November 11.
Recovery Is Underway — But the Work Is Not Finished
Hunter is currently completing a 30–45 day inpatient rehabilitation program at
Heartwood Recovery in Austin, TX. Next step in his treatment plan includes
sober-living housing which requires completion of a Partial Hospitalization
Program (PHP).
This next phase is essential for long-term recovery—but it comes with on going
financial commitment along with debt accumulated during active addiction and
early recovery.
How Funds Will Be Used (Full transparency - grandfather managing
the funds)
Existing Obligations and Recovery-Related Costs
Heartwood Recovery deductible: $1,000
Ambetter health insurance: $234/month
Personal loan: $10,000
Loans from friends: $820
Total credit card debt: $3,800
Grandparent advance: $1,250
Auto body repair: $2,193
Auto loan arrears: $711
Car payment: $238/month
Auto loan: $7,000
Cell phone: $170/month
Mattress lease payoff: $800
Apartment lease obligations: $3,000
Subtotal: $31,216
Seeking an additional $3,000 to cover basic living expenses during PHP so Hunter
can focus fully on treatment and securing meaningful employment.
Every dollar raised will be used exactly as outlined above.
Looking Ahead - We Want To Help
Once Hunter’s immediate recovery needs are stabilized, our family plans to pursue
a separate effort focused on prevention and awareness, educating others and
advocating enforcement of existing Texas law and challenging the unchecked retail
sale of these dangerous substances currently marketed as safe.
No other family should have to watch a child or grandchild fall into addiction
through products sold openly as “safe” and “natural.”
Please Help Us Help Hunter
Your support, through a donation or by sharing this campaign, provides Hunter
the stability,accountability and hope he needs to continue recovery and rebuild his
life.
Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your willingness to stand
with our family during this critical time.