Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States, is uniting communities across the country to celebrate, honor, support and remember loved ones who’ve been affected by or died from addiction by creating a virtual event, The Shatterproof Stronger Than Addiction Challenge.
On Saturday, September 26th, we are encouraging people to take a bold challenge and share how they are stronger than addiction. The challenge can be any activity, whether physical or creative, and can be done as an individual or as a team. Participants will then be fundraising to support Shatterproof’s mission of transforming addiction treatment and shattering stigma.
“While we wish we could meet in-person for our annual 5k walk/runs around the country, we are grateful to be able to include the entire country in this year’s Shatterproof Challenge virtual event. We are honored that Melissa Etheridge will be our special guest on September 26th. She tragically lost her 21-year-old son, Beckett Cypher, in May to substance use disorder. Her willingness to share of herself through her music will be a gift to our participants, many who have also lost loved ones or who are in recovery,” said Kirsten Suto Seckler, Chief Marketing Officer, Shatterproof.
The impact of addiction on Americans is growing in the face of COVID-19. In conjunction with state stay-at-home orders, we have seen a 17.5% increase in fatal overdoses over the same time period last year. There is a clear correlation between the pandemic and overdose deaths. The isolation, stress, and economic devastation of COVID-19 is fueling America's addiction crisis.
“I look forward to coming together with Shatterproof, an organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S., and all of the people who been impacted by addiction who are coming together this September to make change. I hope that my music and our collective voices and actions can end the stigma of addiction and help society realize that we need to work together to overcome this horrible disease. I encourage you to register for the event at www.ShatterproofChallenge.org,” said Melissa Etheridge.
Leading up to event day, we have a month of exciting opportunities planned for our community to come together in virtual spaces. These are all coinciding with September being National Recovery Month.
- Stronger Than Addiction Speaker Series: Every Wednesday in September at 1 p.m. ET, participants and sponsors will be invited to hear directly from influential individuals whose lives have been impacted by addiction. Speakers include professional dancer Corey O’Brien, former NFL and Super Bowl champion Brandon Mitchell, and Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs, hosts of the “Last Day” podcast. Each of these speakers have a different story to tell about their own journey with addiction and have dedicated their lives to sharing their stories with others.
- Stronger Than Addiction Challenge Day: On the morning of September 26, participants will put on their registration t-shirt (and mask) and complete their challenge.
- Celebration Event: At 6 p.m. ET, September 26, after everyone has had time to complete their challenge, we will bring our community together for a virtual gathering to celebrate our collective actions. Melissa Etheridge is our headliner guest and will give an honorary musical performance. Melissa’s life was forever changed by addiction when her beloved son, Beckett Cypher, passed away in May of this year at the age of 21. The event will be emceed by Dr. Nzinga Harrison, a physician, psychiatrist, addiction expert, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Eleanor Health. She is host of In Recovery, a podcast produced by Lemonada Media, where she breaks down stigma, provides evidence-based guidance, and leads with compassion for those affected by addiction.
The Shatterproof Challenge is being presented by: Alkermes, Axial Healthcare, Chubb, County of Los Angeles Public Health, ICG Advisors, JP Morgan Chase, Pacira Biosciences, Pear Therapeutics and Substance Abuse Service Helpline. For more information or to register for the Shatterproof Stronger Than Addiction Challenge please visit, www.shatterproofchallenge.org
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About Shatterproof:
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the course of the addiction crisis in America. Shatterproof is focused on ensuring that American substance use disorder treatment is based upon proven research and ending the stigma of addiction. The organization advocates for changes to federal and state policy, payer reform, treatment quality assessment, and provides public education through online programs.
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