Please Help My Family

My name is Andrew Slack. A very close member of my family, who is also one of my best friends in the world, who has a life threatening disease. To say that we’re close would be the understatement of my life.

My mom and I are raising money to literally, help save his life. Every dollar will help in this cause.

It’s true that he is sick and could die without receiving treatment for this disease.  I was tempted to end the story there without mentioning the name of the disease, but if you’ve read Harry Potter, you know that fear of a name, only makes that thing more powerful. So I’m going to name what it is. It’s kind of like saying “Voldemort”, for this is the Disease-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named.

I am fearful of saying the name because this Disease-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named carries stigmas. I am not only fearful, but also nervous because this is an urgent situation that requires urgent assistance. But, I’m depending on you and believe that when you depend on someone, everything should be fully transparent. So here goes (deep breath!):

This loved one faces the disease of drug addiction.After being clean for many years  and also being an excellent dad, a pretty horrible thing happened: he relapsed. He has two small children who deserve to have their daddy back.

Drug addiction is a progressive illness and his is no exception. This is the moment when things go from scary to terrifying. Hell can be bottomless once the disease starts acting of its own accord, and that is precisely what has recently happened – he is now at death’s door. If he does not get help soon, his kids will no longer have a father.

I know that the process of rehabilitation will only work once he is ready for it to work.  At this time, he is ready to start over and begin the process again. But, he needs the right conditions and correct treatment for that to begin. That’s what my mom and I are trying to raise money for.

All of your generous contributions - and every little bit helps - will be going to his treatment over the course of the next several months. This includes emergency care, comprehensive rehab, more long term care (as we get him real health insurance), and as he gets back on his feet, assisting him with some of his family’s most basic needs.

While I have tremendous fear, I also have tremendous hope. Drug addiction is a family disease. It causes addicts and their families to isolate and disappear into the “dementor like” shadows. Recovering from this illness will require the love and support of a larger community for my family. Please help us.

It would be easy for me to cast him off had I not truly seen his heart. I know that somewhere in the recesses of who he is, he wants to come back. I also know that he is a fighter.

Were you to give any amount, we will keep you abreast of the details! If you have any questions please email my mom Sharon Slack at [email protected] (she’ll be sharing all of this with me but this will be easier as my Inbox can get crazy and I want to make sure I see any inquiry that comes in). If you write, we can provide you with more information.

Thank you so much. This is one of those times when the support of a large community is critical in protecting one’s family. He has fought so hard and so have we, for so long. This is the first time that we’ve ever reached out like this, but it’s also the worst it’s ever been. Please help. I believe the power of each dollar not only brings forth effective treatment but also the power and magic of community. Something my family and I need very much at this incredibly trying time. I believe that with that power, my loved one stands a real chance.

Love,

Andrew Slack