Project: Second Chances – Help us Help Our Brother in Recovery

We all started life with beautiful dreams.

I believe this. But sometimes, the hardships of life... gets in the way. And we become someone we don't want to be, living a life we never dreamed... and yet we don't know how to escape on our own. Especially if one is in the crutches of addiction.

Addiction is a sickness that can be cured with the right help. Many have started a new life, free from the perils and heartaches of an addict's life. This is my hope for my brother.

We had our brother, Norman, admitted to Bridges of Hope just this afternoon. While not a heavy user, he has never been able to stop the destructive cycle of drugs, alcohol and gambling. Before it all got out of control, he supported my brothers and sisters, myself, and my mother, before she passed away. He is not a perfect man, but he was a supportive brother.

This time, he needs our support. He tried to change, but it's not that easy, and people are no help. It is easier to judge than to accept that he is sick. It is easier to shun and pretend the problem does not exist or that he's simply a bad person.

But he's our brother. And we are never innocent from the failings of those we love. At this point, before he spirals down further, we decided to intervene and get him the mental, physical and emotional support he needs from a proper rehabilitation center. To give him a hand and a chance to have a new life.

Bridges of Hope is his best chance. And I seek your financial help so I can do this for him. There, he will get the proper support from professionals and from councilors who have recovered from addiction themselves. I can feel that my brother is already asking for help. I can feel his exhaustion from the the trying. He went with the people from rehab without a struggle. I know that he is ready for true change.

The monthly fee of Bridges of Hope is PHP 35,000 a month excluding other miscellaneous expenses. The program is for a minimum of 10 months depending on his progress. I cannot afford to shoulder this on my own. Please... help me so he can finish the entire rehabilitation program and get better. All of us are worthy of second chances.

We thank you for your kind generosity. May your lives be blessed with joy and your burdens not too heavy.

And may your open hearts and hands bring healing to my brother and our family.

~ Cherry