1st Annual Remembrance Butterfly Release

3410 Bath Pike,Bethlehem PA 18017

08 August, 2021

Description

Remembrance event and family program commemorating loved ones lost to the opioid epidemic and other substance-related causes. Join us on the beautiful grounds of the OASIS Community Center along the banks of the Monocacy Creek for a moving remembrance event. Presented by Speak Up for Ben, Inc. on the 29th anniversary of Ben's birthday. A full program is planned including a remembrance ceremony commemorating lost loved ones, the grand release of Monarch butterflies, an educational program provided by Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary, as well as family activities, music, and refreshments. Advance registration required to purchase your butterflies, one butterfly per ticket. All tickets to be entered into a gift basket drawing. After the tragic death by fentanyl poisoning of their 23-year-old son and brother, Ben, the Miller family of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has sought to speak up and raise awareness to the dangers of opioid use, to destigmatize substance use disorder, and remove the barriers so that sufferers and their families receive help and support.   Like so many young people, Ben had difficulty finding his voice. A sensitive, caring, and creative young man who struggled with anxiety and depression, Ben wanted to please others, but in doing so lacked assertiveness and resiliency skills to advocate for his own needs. Ben also experienced the trauma of bullying which contributed to his anxiety. This inability to speak up  resulted in Ben succumbing to peer pressure, leading to recreational drug use. After being prescribed a generous opioid prescription for oral surgery, Ben became addicted.  Ben battled substance use disorder more than eight arduous years, and attempted to overcome it through nine inpatient rehab treatments and a spiritual awakening through Alcoholics Anonymous. While Ben’s life was cut short, his legacy will live on by providing hope and resources to many in need.   Our Mission Statement: Through compassion and understanding of the family disease of addiction, we seek to provide education, support, comfort and healing to people who are at risk for, experiencing, or recovering from Substance Use Disorder, their families, and the families of those who lost their battle.   In honor of the life of Benjamin Alden Miller (8/8/92—8/1/16), please SPEAK UP for BEN — and all the Bens in the world who struggle to find their voice.   Break the Silence * End the Stigma * Never Forget