|
The A.E.D. Foundation, Inc. was formed in the memory of Alyssa E. Dunn who lost her life to drug addiction on May 21, 2013, at the age of 20 years old. Alyssa's life started like any "normal" life. Raised by two loving, dedicated, intelligent parents she seemed to have it all. Who would have ever thought this beautiful, petite, passionate, intelligent, fun girl would end up on the long, desperate and dangerous road of addiction. Who knew this disease would take over her life? After all, she just started off experimenting in her teen years like many others do. What she didn't know was that addiction is a progressive disease. A disease that once it has a hold on you it is extremely difficult to break free. Alyssa, like many addicts, fought her disease for years. However, in the end, the disease won. In addition to the foundation being named after her, it also stands for Assist, Educate and Defeat. The A.E.D. Foundation, Inc. is committed to assisting individuals on their road to their recovery as well as their families. Educating the community by bringing awareness of the disease. Finally, Defeating the stigma that is associated with drug addiction. The mission of the A.E.D. Foundation, Inc. is to change the many stigmas associated with drug use and addiction. In Massachusetts, like many other states, the use of opiates has reached epidemic proportions. As a community we need to become educated about addiction and its consequences. We need to recognize that addiction is not a disease of choice. Addiction is a chronic brain disease and we need to treat it as such. The foundation was formed by one woman, a mother, with the goal of making a difference in memory of her daughter Alyssa. The A.E.D. Foundation, Inc. is comprised of a dedicated network of friends, and a Board of Directors that is strong and fully committed to the goals of the foundation.
|
