On January 19, 2008, our world was shattered by an early morning phone call. Our son, our only child, Michael, had died in his sleep. Michael was struggling with a prescription drug addiction, a fact that we had only become aware of a few months before his death. Since his death, we have come to know the details and the depth of his addiction and the incredible fact that all of Michael’s drugs were prescribed by one doctor, at a local clinic or “pill mill”. Certainly, awareness of the problem with such clinics has grown but the need for education, greater awareness and support continues. It is to this end, and for this purpose, that we established this foundation, in Michael’s name.

Cathy and Manny Valdes