Cade Reddington Be The Light Scholarship Fund

Cade Reddington tragically lost his life on November 4th, 2021, at the age of 18 in his freshman dorm room at UW–Milwaukee—just two weeks shy of his 19th birthday. Cade died from fentanyl poisoning after taking what he believed was a single Percocet pill, which turned out to be a counterfeit pill made of 100% fentanyl. Only days before he passed, Cade was home in Waunakee for the weekend and told his mom that he had met with his advisor to switch his major from business to psychology. He felt called to become a counselor so he could help others—especially those struggling with drugs and alcohol. He was excited about shaping a career centered in compassion, service, and healing. A bright light to everyone who knew him, Cade had a gift for making people feel seen, welcome, and loved. He had the biggest smile, the warmest hugs, boundless energy, and an enormous heart. Cade lived fully and joyfully—snowboarding, skateboarding, wrestling, chasing sunsets, traveling adventurously, and spending time with his friends. Like many young adults, he also faced periods of depression and made the decision to experiment with drugs—an impulse that tragically cost him his life. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death among people ages 18–50. A lack of education, awareness, and mental-health coping skills leaves adolescents and young adults especially vulnerable to counterfeit pills and other dangerous substances. This scholarship honors Cade’s life and legacy by supporting students who have been directly or indirectly impacted by substance use, addiction, or mental-health struggles—and who want to transform their experience into purpose, service, and hope for others.