The Unforgettables Foundation Presents: Children and Families in Crisis

ALL>> For centuries, addiction to drugs, alcohol, or other addictive substances has torn apart families and ruined lives. In the modern age, addiction is widely recognized as a disease, with centers and organizations all over the world dedicated to helping those who have been afflicted by it. On April 28, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the California State University, San Bernardino, Palm Desert campus, the Unforgettables Foundation will present "Children and Families in Crisis", a conference designed help professionals fight back against addiction. The Unforgettables Foundation is an organization that provides financial burial assistance for the families of children who have died too soon, some due to the consequences of addiction. Founded in 1999 by Loma Linda Chaplain, Tim Evans, the foundation seeks to educate families and caregivers on matters that provide risk to their children. To that end, Children and Families in Crisis, is an educational conference whose goal is to help offset that risk. The conference aims to shed light on the causes that lead to addiction and the various ways in which addiction is sometimes allowed to continue. Those in attendance, mainly doctors, social workers, nurses, and people in the health care or social work professions, will learn about the repercussions of the disease, as well about the destructive impact addiction has on daily life. The conference hopes to emphasize that while professional help is undoubtedly important, providing emotional and encouraging support is also of help. Dr. Deborah Deas, MD, MPH, from the University of California, Riverside will serve as a keynote speaker. She will discuss "Dealing with Pediatric Addiction." The conference will also feature a panel from Helene Photias, MHA, Neil Gussardo, MA, and Mark Baumgartner of the Betty Ford Center. They will present "Changing the Family Legacy," a panel focusing on the family dynamic of addiction and how the family can be used to help heal those suffering from addiction. Clare Sheridan-Matney, MD, and Glenn P. Matney, MD, of the First Step Recovery Center are also expected to present the panel "Addiction After Abuse," a demonstration on the topic of early-childhood bullying and how it can lead to damaging behaviors such as addiction. A special presentation will be given by Special Guest Presenter the Honorable Mary Bono. She will share her own story of family prescription drug abuse and how she became an advocate for families with loved ones suffering from the same affliction. The conference is set to end with the Unforgettables Foundation's "Lights for Little Lives" ceremony. Doves will be released in dedication to the memory of all the children who have lost their lives over the past year. Children and Families in Crisis is sponsored by Alexander and Sydney, UBA, The Auen Foundation, John and Judy Austin, The Office of Riverside County Supervisor, John Benoit (posthumously), CSUSB, Forest Lawn, The Dr. Prem Reddy Family Foundation and Teserra Outdoors. Those wishing to register for this event may do so at www.unforgettables.org using EventBrite or by calling the Unforgettables Foundation at 909-335-1600. Registration fees are $75 for an individual and $95 at the door. Students may call about scholarships.