the spirit never dies.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

In June of 2008, one of my dearest friends Natalie Ciappa died from a Heroin overdose. We were best of friends growing up. We had sleepovers, sang, and attended family parties together. We both started using drugs at an early age, traveling to the dark side of life. Natalie went to a house party one night to have some fun. Natalie never came home that night. When her parents walked into the house she partied at the previous day, they found her face down on the couch. Natalie’s mother screamed in agony as her lifeless body lay there. Her lips had turned blue because rigor mortis set in. It was too late.  Natalie was gone. I remember rushing to her house to see if it was true. Natalie was dead. From that point on our small town was never the same. She was just 18 years old, a cheerleader in highschool when she died. Natalie’s story alone changed the face of the “addict” in the public eye. But her spirit lives on through the work of this foundation. The heart shaped logo is a re-creation of her actual drawing. 

THE UNBREAKABLE CONNECTION

I too was caught by the devil himself, heroin. I always felt very connected to Natalie. I loved her with all of my heart even through my addiction. Becoming clean and sober was the most courageous and challenging thing that I have ever done in my life. I began my journey of recovery April 19th 2011. It was so painful initially breaking free, but I never gave up no matter how tough or painful it was. It takes deep faith, commitment and strength to recover. Now, I am blessed to witness many people recover and this strengthens my own recovery. Today I live in honor of Natalie and I am forever grateful for the opportunity, the one that Natalie never received. 

THE SPIRIT GUIDES

In memory of Natalie, Natalie Foundation, a non-profit organization will provide services in high schools to promote recovery, create awareness, empower the youth and connect them to resources. The Natalie Foundation will pair any adolescent that is struggling with a trained recovery or life coach so they may learn how to overcome challenges, live drug-free long term, fulfill on their personal goals and thrive within their community.