This project began with the passing of our family’s American boy. We watched Matt struggle for ten years with addiction and saw firsthand the frustration and anguish of repeatedly failing at his sobriety.
As part of her grieving, Shea presented us with a manuscript called AMERICAN BOY. Reluctantly we all read it, uncomfortable with it's contents but knowing every family that struggles with addiction has the same experiences. Collectively, we all agreed, if we are not honest in sharing our story, it helps no one.
The AMERICAN BOY Project addresses the three obstacles we feel impeded Matt's success in his recovery; twenty eight days in treatment is never enough, the stigma of addiction, and better resources to identify the best treatment possible for your loved one.
How does one come to terms with losing a son, losing a brother? Are there words? If there were, we could not find them.