“As you grow older, you will discover you have two hands: one for helping yourself and the other for helping others” ~Audrey Hepburn
In 2008, booking a contract role on Daytime television series ‘All My Children,’ was a blessing to be thankful for. Acting moving to the forefront in my life allowed me to step back, for a while from a modeling career I had always known.
With new challenges in a new industry also came new advantages. Small but most meaningful to me was that I finally was able to have a structured schedule. Thus, giving me the opportunity to set and invest my personal time into ‘giving back.’ I’ve always believed it is our duty to somehow return the blessings we receive.
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In January 2009 I started to look into different charitable organizations, trying to find an ‘inner calling’ for one of them. Anyone who has done the same will tell you that this could possibly be one of the most difficult decisions to face. You want to help EVERYONE.
Cancer research, AIDS fundraisers, PETA… some how each organization in need, speaks to you. In March 2009, a girlfriend of mine invited me for lunch. It had been a good amount of time since we had last seen each other.
I planned for a long catch up lunch with the usual girl chitchat at the usual lunch spot. Little did I know that this lunch would change both my life and our friendship forever.
At lunch, my dear friend shared with me her struggle; she shared her battle with denial, how she had a personal war with drugs, how she first resisted treatment, and then how she ‘WOKE UP!’
She started to tell me about Caron Renaissance, specifically their Boca Raton facility. How they not only treated the individual but the entire family. Everyone was considered a patient. This was a productive way to reestablish a healthy environment for everyone.
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The structure, program, and philosophies implemented at Caron Renaissance saved my friends life and now she wanted to give her life back to serving Caron Renaissance.
Sitting in front of me was an example of their work. I could touch their results. I could emotionally feel my friend again. My commitment to Caron Renaissance began at that moment.
My friend Jacquelyn Sherry, had this great idea. We’d put together a New York City event where we could raise funds for Caron Renaissance’s ‘Lifesaver Scholarship Program.’
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My admiration for the organization grew when I learned that they offered financial support for those unable to afford effective treatment. For me, it reiterated their genuine passion and dedication to serve those on their journey to rehabilitation.
For 2 years now, Jacquelyn and I have been campaigning in New York City.
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Information is power and so we have been educating others on the subject of addiction and the complexity of the disease.
YES! Addiction is a disease! Sadly there is a huge misconception in regards to addiction. Unfortunately, even today, there is still a stigma associated with this disease.
In September 2009 we held our 1st Annual ‘Save A Life’ event.
