Hello! Let me start off by saying "Thank You for taking the time to visit my End Heroin Birmingham Fundraising Page!". This organization is very close and dear to my heart. Every year I take the time to raise money for this cause because I have suffered through heroin addiction and I understand the challenges that come with it. I have lost many friends to heroin and have watched countless others throw their lives away (including myself at one time) for this powerful drug. I fundraise for this cause so that hopefully someone still out there in active addiction will see that there is light at the end of the tunnel! I am a 32 year old mother with 2 children (a 7 year old son and a 3 year old daughter) and am also a small business owner of a custom t-shirt company named, "Toxic Tee's Co.". I would like to take a minute and tell you a little bit about my story. I was a very independent woman and made many mistakes by allowing my pride to keep me from asking for help when I truly needed it. Because of that I lost custody of my kids, my family, my business, my freedom and most importantly myself. I was arrested on July 5, 2018, and forced to sit in jail for 6 months awaiting trial. My attorney and prosecutors told me I would be facing 10-15 years of prison time and that my life was over. Finally, after countless motions I filed on my own with the courts, I was granted a furlough to go to rehab. The rehabilitation center was 2 hours from home and I knew that getting as far away from my old lifestyle as possible would be the only way I could successfully start a new life without heroin. On December 13, 2018, I walked into the doors of The Fellowship House in Birmingham, Alabma. As soon as I entered I felt at home. All of my previous attempts to quit using had failed and I was so tired of that old life, so I knew that if it wasn't now then it would never happen. I truly surrendered to the new process of life I was being taught, and began using the tools I was being given at The Fellowship House. I had never heard of the 12 step program, which I recommend to anyone still struggling. If you are truly ready to leave addiction and want to quit then you will; however, you have to have the correct tools and be distant from the same people, places and things you used to know. That was truly a hard part, leaving behind friends I had known my entire life but if I wanted a new fresh start then it had to be done. I am so excited and blessed to be able to say I now have 18 months clean and sober! Never in a milliion years did I ever think I could be so happy with my life! I share my story in hopes that someone will come out of their suffering. Give the addiction up. Life is so much better beyond it. I now have my own apartment in Vestavia Hills., work an amazing 40 hour per week job with benefits and still make my custom t-shirts on the side. The biggest blessing thus far is that I am getting to have my kids stay with me every other weekend. I worked very hard and for it I have earned my life back. It wasn't easy but I did it and if I can then anyone can! Please make a donation today to help end heroin addiction for good. Thank you for giving and saving lives!!!