Personal Stories

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A lot of you know I own a tee shirt company called Paragon , I want to tell everyone why I started Lead Don’t follow Foundation  one day  I got a message from a high school friend Tracey Roberts  I graduated with her husband Marty  grew up with him , she wanted me to create a t-shirt to say F&&@ Heroin  . Her son was one of three that died in Boonsboro  Md on 9/6/2015 His name was Devin James Roberts he left behind  2 sons   .One of my most important roles in life, is that of being a father. So, when Tracey reached out to me, I knew I needed to help in anyway I could to help in bringing about change and awareness of this deadly disease. I spent time with Tracey  talking about Devin and how much it is to go to rehab and I was taken back , currently cost for a rehab is 36000.00 for a 28 day program who can pay that , this is how I can help when you go to leaddontfollowfoundation.com and donate ,proceeds will go to helping families with love ones get help and transform lives,provide help, and instill hope for individuals .

Here is Tracey’s  story:

I lost my heart and soul my only son. To a drug that took My whole world .Devin James Roberts was 23 has two sons , that miss him every day they will never get to play ball or work on cars or go fishing or get to say happy Father’s Day to their dad’s face or hug him again . What we have lost will never be returned. 

Get help now it’s never to late!!!

This story belongs to my cousin Terry. Terry became a Heroin addict and his method of delivery was needles. This was a shock to us all as he had a fear of needles, this showed us all the massive hold Heroin can have on people. The last time I saw Terry was when he was hooked up to life support following a massive heart attack. I stood at the foot of his bed wondering why nobody helped him. Apparently he had the attack while shooting up with his “friends” and they left him to die. I remember talking to his daughters, and after speaking to the doctors they decided to take him off life support. Another life cut way to short. 

Hi I'm an addict named Tracey,
I've been fighting the disease of addiction all my life. I had my first drink very young. My best childhood friend and I would sneak into the closet to drink my Mother's dandion wine. From that point on it started a pattern to other drugs and excessive drinking. Fast forward age 17 I was living on my own in Virginia. 200 plus miles away from home. I didn't graduate from High School. At an early age I had been molested, sexual violed, and abused mentally. My fist assault I was beaten for when my Mother found out as if it was my fault. That's when I lost part of my spirit and voice to say NO! I was in Kindergarten and I was confused about the entire situation. Please don't get me wrong my family loved me; sometimes people are not educated on how to handle a situations.
During my many years of using. I was married 3 times. Addiction destroyed each marriage. I have three beautiful grown children I raised alone while using. My oldest daughter and I just started talking again 2 months ago. My addiction destroyed our relationship. I finally meet my Grandchildren age 4 and 5. It was difficult not seeing my grandchildren for the first years of their lives.
I've been beatten, raped multiple times, cut, guns put to my head and 5 overdoses ( one over dose so sevevere I almost died in front of my middle child). I started seeking recovery in 2001. After multiple relapses today May 26, 2020 I have 1 year, 1 month, and 12 days clean. I've used any drug you can imagine down to eating my dogs tranquilizers. I thought using made me someone I needed to be when in reality it was killing me every day. Through God's (my higher power) grace and mercy. One day at a time I am clean. Admitting I was an addict was easy for myself. Surrender was the hardest part. If a street junkie like myself can get clean and stay clean! Just one day at a time, sometimes 5 minutes at a time so can you. Never give up five minutes before the miracle. Just know you are loved and there a recovery centers and groups ready to help you!
YOU ARE LOVED!