Lets face it.  Each and every one of us is affected by addiction in one way or another.  If not personally, then a family member, friend, co-worker, classmate or even someone as far-fetched as a sisters boyfriends cousin.  Somehow, some way, you or someone you know is struggling, or worse, the struggle has taken their life.

A little over a year ago Alyssa Steward lost her battle against addiction.  This loss was felt by each and every Fox Communities Credit Union employee as Alyssa’s mom, Wendy, was also a Fox Communities employee.

Substance Abuse Awareness

In an effort to bring more awareness to the disease of addiction and because knowledge is power, Fox Communities Credit Union has banded together with Woodward Radio Group, Fidelity Bank, Prospera Credit Union, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc, Kimberly-Clark, Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region Inc, Willems Marketing & Events, and Culvers to bring in former NBA Player & addiction recovery advocate, Chris Herren, to speak in Appleton.

Alyssa’s mother Wendy states, “Addicts are not necessarily bad people. They don’t come from bad families or have bad parents. They are not junkies, druggies or losers. They are people who have an addiction and need help. Nobody knows the reason behind their addiction. As a parent, I felt like I did something wrong, or I should have done something different; maybe I didn’t see the signs quickly enough.  That’s hard to live with, but I realize now that I did the best I could to help my daughter with the knowledge that I had at the time.  It is my hope that bringing in Chris Herren to speak to the community and share his story will raise awareness about the warning signs, the stigma surrounding addiction, and the resources that are available to help those who need it.”

Basketball Player Chris Herren to Share his Struggle with Addiction

Former NBA player Chris Herren struggled with substance abuse for much of his basketball career.  Drug and alcohol free since August 1, 2008, he has refocused his life to put his sobriety and family above all else.  One of the many things Chris does to support his substance-free lifestyle is to speak before groups trying to overcome addiction to share his experiences and road to sobriety.

In his inspiring and life-changing presentations, Herren connects with audiences in the hopes of reaching just one person and making a difference in his or her life; teaching them that it is never too late to battle back from adversity and make dreams become a reality.

Chris will share his story:
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Appleton East High School Gymnasium
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Doors open at 6:00pm
Tickets $10 each
Purchase tickets here

Proceeds from this event will benefit two local agencies dedicated to helping people recover from their substance abuse/addiction, The Mooring Programs. and STEP Industries.

Beginning at 5:30pm, in the lobby of the gymnasium, there will be a community resource fair featuring several local and state agencies offering materials and help for anyone wanting more information about recovery from substance abuse/addiction.

The event is sponsored by Fox Communities Credit Union, Fidelity Bank, Prospera Credit Union, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc, Kimberly-Clark, Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region Inc, Willems Marketing & Events, Culvers of Darboy, and Woodward Radio Group.