Making An Impact

I know I am not alone in my growing concerns about where our country is headed. Each day, we see new problems spring up that affect our ability to provide for our families or cause us to feel less safe. The enormity of it can be overwhelming especially when most of what is happening around us is beyond our control. We can vote and we can work hard but what impact can we really make when everything seems to be falling apart? Any effort would just feel like a droplet of water in an infinite sea.

As many of you know, I often write about intimate details of my personal life, which may seem a little strange for a small-town newspaper. I’ve shared some joy as well as anguish with the goal that someone might need a particular story at a particular moment in time, to feel inspired or to feel comforted knowing that someone else has gone through a similar situation. I never know how my stories might affect a reader. Thank you for continuing to indulge me and let me share what is on my mind.

One of the most difficult articles I ever wrote was in 2020 following the loss of my son Ben to an overdose of fentanyl and benzodiazepines. It was such a time of incredible grief but my thoughts immediately went out to all the other families in our situation who shared that same heartache brought on by drug use or mental breakdown. I felt compelled to reach out to comfort them and, in turn, it comforted me to write what was in my heart. Our family still struggles with how we could have prevented the tragedy or changed the trajectory of Ben’s path. I do know we tried with everything we had. When talking to families who have lost their loved ones, we learned that, although our stories are similar, there are many ways to approach addiction and treatment. The one thing that I feel certain about, though, is that we need to keep talking and sharing our experiences in order to help each other heal.

One of the local organizations that is helping to facilitate comprehensive treatment is the Chace Taylor Malone Impact Foundation – LA. Formed by parent Victoria Da Salla Malone and inspired by Chace’s closest friends following his passing in 2021, the foundation seeks to address the complex needs of those suffering from addiction, often exacerbated by mental health and social issues. With the support of therapy, coaching and a designated personal steward, individuals receive guidance and tools to navigate through anxiety, depression, recovery, sober living and wellness. Their vision is a safe and healthy community, free from the tragedy of addiction. That is our goal, too. Ben and Chace were friends who died one year apart. Our family is proud to support the efforts of this fledgling organization to honor their memory and to help others through their difficult journey.

On Friday, Nov. 18, the CTM Impact Foundation – LA will host its second annual golf tournament as a fundraiser for the important services it provides. It will be held at Scholl Canyon Golf Course at 3800 E. Glenoaks Blvd. in Glendale. Check-in at 8 a.m. and play at 9 a.m. There are opportunities for individual golfers, foursomes and a variety of sponsorship levels. To apply or for more information, go to https://theimpactfoundationla.org/. I will be volunteering at this event on behalf of struggling families in our community.

In the meantime, I realize the problems of the world will continue with or without my input and that it is important for me to stay focused on the change I can influence right here in my community. If we work together, though, maybe our collective efforts can create a wave of droplets that will impact the beautiful sea called humanity.