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The Conception of StrongWILL

HISTORY

  • APRIL 19, 2016- PASSING OF MY BROTHER OF AN OVERDOSE

  • JULY 9, 2016- PUBLIC LAUNCHING OF FIRST ANNUAL STRONGWILL FUN RUN / WALK

  • OCTOBER 15, 2016- FIRST ANNUAL STRONGWILL FUN RUN / WALK DURING DRIVER DAYS FESTIVAL

  • NOVEMBER 22, 2016- FILED AND QUALIFIED FOR 501C3 STATUS

From April Brooks, President of StrongWILL

Everyone has a cause that is important to them, a cause that speaks to their heart.  I cannot expect others to take my passion towards addiction awareness, recovery, and support as seriously as myself, but I can certainly ask for their support in my efforts to make a difference.  In April 2016, I found my brother, William West, after an overdose from heroin. In my grief, I tried to learn everything I could about heroin, addiction, and resources for those who are struggling. To my surprise, I could not find much around here. Once I learned what an epidemic not only heroin, but substance abuse in general is, I knew I wanted to take action. I wanted to be the change I want to see in the world. I wanted to raise money for those that need it, I wanted to start the stepping stones to end the stigma associated with addiction. I wanted to raise awareness for addiction; aid in resources for recovery; and help bring support to those who are affected and to those who are helping the affected individuals. This brought me to the create this fun run/walk and ultimately to create this 501c3 organization. We cannot give up on the crisis.  If I can save one person from a deadly fate, save one little girl from growing up without their father or mother, save one parent from the horrific pain of having to bury their child- than my efforts are justified.  Thank you for supporting my cause and for believing in my efforts.

If you would like to learn more about this- please view our video.

 

The Foundation of StrongWILL Video    

PRESS

2022

https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2022/08/12/run-walk-event-to-provide-substance-abuse-treatment-for-veterans/?fbclid=IwAR3bJP8yQM3TCDx8jGK9V4wDzn9-gsPHI1STYlSpJDt1xx_B1v76bxMmTVc

 

2021

https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2021/10/19/driver-days-returns-4/

https://www.wtkr.com/news/vigil-will-turn-hampton-roads-convention-center-purple-for-overdose-awareness-day
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2021/08/26/run-or-walk-for-strongwill/

2019
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2019/10/21/event-helps-so-many/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2019/10/16/driver-run-walk-and-concert-for-strongwill/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2019/09/12/register-for-strongwill-ed-october/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2019/04/23/racing-for-scholarships-against-addiction/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2019/04/23/lots-to-do-in-suffolk/

2018
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2018/10/24/applause-for-strongwill/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2018/10/23/strongwilled-runners-raise-money-awareness/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2018/10/17/welcome-back-driver-days/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2018/10/16/memories-and-fundraising-at-driver-days/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2018/10/15/head-to-driver-days/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2018/01/20/residents-count-on-suffolk-trail/

2017
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2017/11/25/event-raises-funds-for-equipment/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2017/10/16/have-fun-at-driver-days-this-weekend/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2017/10/09/racing-to-save-lives/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2017/04/21/charity-race-sets-online-giveaway/

2016
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2016/10/11/go-to-driver-days/
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2016/10/10/driver-days-returns-3/

https://m.suffolknewsherald.com/2016/07/27/woman-hosts-run-to-battle-addiction/

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