My life experiences in life include mental health, addiction, LGBQ+, and medical malpractice. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services to help others who are suffering with mental illness and addiction. In 2005, I was in an accident that not only totaled my vehicle, it left me with a broken clavical bone and some horrific headaches. At this time I was working for the State of Missouri as a front receptionist at the Division of Family Services. I loved my job because it gave me great pleasure to help others in my community get the resources they needed in order to live their lives comfortably with medical benefits and food assistance. Working with computers, the headaches became unbearable. I decided to make my doctors aware of the pain. I was then referred to a pain management doctor who wanted to put injections in my neck. This procedure was done the first and second time without complications. My third set of injections, I woke up and could not feel or move. I was paralyzed. The doctors told me I would never walk again. This brought on anxiety, PTSD, and major depression. I would later spiral down the dark and dangerous road of addiction. The settlement I received from the malpractice case was more than I could handle. I bought anything and everything I wanted. I went on vacations, bought myself and my three daughters new everything. With 1.1 million dollars, I even bought new friends who helped me spend every last penny. In 2012, my house was raided and busted for an active meth lab. I lost my daughter’s, my home, my vehicles, and all of those so called “friends”. I was completely alone. This brought on more depression and anxiety. I was lost. In 2020, I decided I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I walked into a treatment center with all my belongings in one duffel bag, and started my journey of recovery. Two months into my stay at the in-patient treatment facility, I got a call from my girlfriend’s mother saying that my girlfriend had been placed in the intensive care unit due to a blood infection in her spine and heart from using needles. I was completely devastated and wanted so bad to be with her. My counselor told me that if I were to leave, I would lose my spot at the treatment facility. As hard as it was, I decided that my recovery could not be put in jeopardy by any means, and I stayed. That next day, I got the call saying the love of my life had passed away. My recovery had to be put first even in this situation. After treatment, I started doing online classes at Colorado Technical University for my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services. My goal is to work with others who suffer with addiction and mental health issues. I believe my story could possibly help others see that no matter the challenges in life, recovery is possible. Life does not have to be difficult every single day. Today, I am two months shy of celebrating 4 years clean. I am in the process of becoming a Peer Support Specialist for the State of Missouri, I have a full-time job, my own apartment and vehicle. I have a very patient sponsor who has helped me get to this point in my life where I am ready to help others who are suffering. Thank you for your consideration, have a great rest of your day. Lisa Christian

I am applying for this scholarship because I am needing a little extra to get me to where I want to be. I have 1405 days clean from meth, heroin, and every other drug that was put in front of me. Living in recovery is not an easy task. As a matter of fact, the struggle is there every day of my life in one form or another. However, with my sponsor, Celebrate Recovery, working the steps, being a sponsor, and a lot of dedication, I am living a whole new life. So, when asked the question, what does recovery mean to me? I would have to say recovery is a second chance to do the right thing and to help others who are struggling with active addiction. When telling my story, I hope to reach as many people possible so they know that recovery is possible and they do not have to do it alone. There are so many people willing to help, we just have to take that first step and ask for help. Recovery is a process. It does not happen over night. With the right support system backing you up, anything is possible. Recovery = Broken Chains Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your consideration. Lisa Christian

My life experiences in life include mental health, addiction, LGBQ+, and medical malpractice. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services to help others who are suffering with mental illness and addiction. In 2005, I was in an accident that not only totaled my vehicle, it left me with a broken clavical bone and some horrific headaches. At this time I was working for the State of Missouri as a front receptionist at the Division of Family Services. I loved my job because it gave me great pleasure to help others in my community get the resources they needed in order to live their lives comfortably with medical benefits and food assistance. Working with computers, the headaches became unbearable. I decided to make my doctors aware of the pain. I was then referred to a pain management doctor who wanted to put injections in my neck. This procedure was done the first and second time without complications. My third set of injections, I woke up and could not feel or move. I was paralyzed. The doctors told me I would never walk again. This brought on anxiety, PTSD, and major depression. I would later spiral down the dark and dangerous road of addiction. The settlement I received from the malpractice case was more than I could handle. I bought anything and everything I wanted. I went on vacations, bought myself and my three daughters new everything. With 1.1 million dollars, I even bought new friends who helped me spend every last penny. In 2012, my house was raided and busted for an active meth lab. I lost my daughter’s, my home, my vehicles, and all of those so called “friends”. I was completely alone. This brought on more depression and anxiety. I was lost. In 2020, I decided I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I walked into a treatment center with all my belongings in one duffel bag, and started my journey of recovery. Two months into my stay at the in-patient treatment facility, I got a call from my girlfriend’s mother saying that my girlfriend had been placed in the intensive care unit due to a blood infection in her spine and heart from using needles. I was completely devastated and wanted so bad to be with her. My counselor told me that if I were to leave, I would lose my spot at the treatment facility. As hard as it was, I decided that my recovery could not be put in jeopardy by any means, and I stayed. That next day, I got the call saying the love of my life had passed away. My recovery had to be put first even in this situation. After treatment, I started doing online classes at Colorado Technical University for my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services. My goal is to work with others who suffer with addiction and mental health issues. I believe my story could possibly help others see that no matter the challenges in life, recovery is possible. Life does not have to be difficult every single day. Today, I am two months shy of celebrating 4 years clean. I am in the process of becoming a Peer Support Specialist for the State of Missouri, I have a full-time job, my own apartment and vehicle. I have a very patient sponsor who has helped me get to this point in my life where I am ready to help others who are suffering. Thank you for your consideration, have a great rest of your day. Lisa Christian

My life experiences in life include mental health, addiction, LGBQ+, and medical malpractice. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services to help others who are suffering with mental illness and addiction. In 2005, I was in an accident that not only totaled my vehicle, it left me with a broken clavical bone and some horrific headaches. At this time I was working for the State of Missouri as a front receptionist at the Division of Family Services. I loved my job because it gave me great pleasure to help others in my community get the resources they needed in order to live their lives comfortably with medical benefits and food assistance. Working with computers, the headaches became unbearable. I decided to make my doctors aware of the pain. I was then referred to a pain management doctor who wanted to put injections in my neck. This procedure was done the first and second time without complications. My third set of injections, I woke up and could not feel or move. I was paralyzed. The doctors told me I would never walk again. This brought on anxiety, PTSD, and major depression. I would later spiral down the dark and dangerous road of addiction. The settlement I received from the malpractice case was more than I could handle. I bought anything and everything I wanted. I went on vacations, bought myself and my three daughters new everything. With 1.1 million dollars, I even bought new friends who helped me spend every last penny. In 2012, my house was raided and busted for an active meth lab. I lost my daughter’s, my home, my vehicles, and all of those so called “friends”. I was completely alone. This brought on more depression and anxiety. I was lost. In 2020, I decided I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I walked into a treatment center with all my belongings in one duffel bag, and started my journey of recovery. Two months into my stay at the in-patient treatment facility, I got a call from my girlfriend’s mother saying that my girlfriend had been placed in the intensive care unit due to a blood infection in her spine and heart from using needles. I was completely devastated and wanted so bad to be with her. My counselor told me that if I were to leave, I would lose my spot at the treatment facility. As hard as it was, I decided that my recovery could not be put in jeopardy by any means, and I stayed. That next day, I got the call saying the love of my life had passed away. My recovery had to be put first even in this situation. After treatment, I started doing online classes at Colorado Technical University for my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services. My goal is to work with others who suffer with addiction and mental health issues. I believe my story could possibly help others see that no matter the challenges in life, recovery is possible. Life does not have to be difficult every single day. Today, I am two months shy of celebrating 4 years clean. I am in the process of becoming a Peer Support Specialist for the State of Missouri, I have a full-time job, my own apartment and vehicle. I have a very patient sponsor who has helped me get to this point in my life where I am ready to help others who are suffering. Thank you for your consideration, have a great rest of your day. Lisa Christian

My life experiences in life include mental health, addiction, LGBQ+, and medical malpractice. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services to help others who are suffering with mental illness and addiction. In 2005, I was in an accident that not only totaled my vehicle, it left me with a broken clavical bone and some horrific headaches. At this time I was working for the State of Missouri as a front receptionist at the Division of Family Services. I loved my job because it gave me great pleasure to help others in my community get the resources they needed in order to live their lives comfortably with medical benefits and food assistance. Working with computers, the headaches became unbearable. I decided to make my doctors aware of the pain. I was then referred to a pain management doctor who wanted to put injections in my neck. This procedure was done the first and second time without complications. My third set of injections, I woke up and could not feel or move. I was paralyzed. The doctors told me I would never walk again. This brought on anxiety, PTSD, and major depression. I would later spiral down the dark and dangerous road of addiction. The settlement I received from the malpractice case was more than I could handle. I bought anything and everything I wanted. I went on vacations, bought myself and my three daughters new everything. With 1.1 million dollars, I even bought new friends who helped me spend every last penny. In 2012, my house was raided and busted for an active meth lab. I lost my daughter’s, my home, my vehicles, and all of those so called “friends”. I was completely alone. This brought on more depression and anxiety. I was lost. In 2020, I decided I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I walked into a treatment center with all my belongings in one duffel bag, and started my journey of recovery. Two months into my stay at the in-patient treatment facility, I got a call from my girlfriend’s mother saying that my girlfriend had been placed in the intensive care unit due to a blood infection in her spine and heart from using needles. I was completely devastated and wanted so bad to be with her. My counselor told me that if I were to leave, I would lose my spot at the treatment facility. As hard as it was, I decided that my recovery could not be put in jeopardy by any means, and I stayed. That next day, I got the call saying the love of my life had passed away. My recovery had to be put first even in this situation. After treatment, I started doing online classes at Colorado Technical University for my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services. My goal is to work with others who suffer with addiction and mental health issues. I believe my story could possibly help others see that no matter the challenges in life, recovery is possible. Life does not have to be difficult every single day. Today, I am two months shy of celebrating 4 years clean. I am in the process of becoming a Peer Support Specialist for the State of Missouri, I have a full-time job, my own apartment and vehicle. I have a very patient sponsor who has helped me get to this point in my life where I am ready to help others who are suffering so they can make an impact on their communities. Lisa Christian

My life experiences in life include mental health, addiction, LGBQ+, and medical malpractice. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services to help others who are suffering with mental illnes and addiction. In 2005, I was in an accident that not only totaled my vehicle, it left me with a broken clavical bone and some horrific headaches. At this time I was working for the State of Missouri as a front receptionist at the Division of Family Services. I loved my job because it gave me great pleasure to help others in my community get the resources they needed in order to live their lives comfortably with medical benefits and food assistance. Working with computers, the headaches became unbearable. I decided to make my doctors aware of the pain. I was then referred to a pain management doctor who wanted to put injections in my neck. This procedure was done the first and second time without complications. My third set of injections, I woke up and could not feel or move. I was paralyzed. The doctors told me I would never walk again. This brought on anxiety, PTSD, and major depression. I would later spiral down the dark and dangerous road of addiction. The settlement I received from the malpractice case was more than I could handle. I bought anything and everything I wanted. I went on vacations, bought myself and my three daughters new everything. With 1.1 million dollars, I even bought new friends who helped me spend every last penny. In 2012, my house was raided and busted for an active meth lab. I lost my daughter’s, my home, my vehicles, and all of those so called “friends”. I was completely alone. This brought on more depression and anxiety. I was lost. In 2020, I decided I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I walked into a treatment center with all my belongings in one duffel bag, and started my journey of recovery. Two months into my stay at the in-patient treatment facility, I got a call from my girlfriend’s mother saying that my girlfriend had been placed in the intensive care unit due to a blood infection in her spine and heart from using needles. I was completely devastated and wanted so bad to be with her. My counselor told me that if I were to leave, I would lose my spot at the treatment facility. As hard as it was, I decided that my recovery could not be put in jeopardy by any means, and I stayed. That next day, I got the call saying the love of my life had passed away. My recovery had to be put first even in this situation. After treatment, I started doing online classes at Colorado Technical University for my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services. My goal is to work with others who suffer with addiction and mental health issues. I believe my story could possibly help others see that no matter the challenges in life, recovery is possible. Life does not have to be difficult every single day. Today, I am two months shy of celebrating 4 years clean. I am in the process of becoming a Peer Support Specialist for the State of Missouri, I have a full-time job, my own apartment and vehicle. I have a very patient sponsor who has helped me get to this point in my life where I am ready to help others who are suffering. Thank you for your consideration, have a great rest of your day. Lisa Christian

My life experiences in life include mental health, addiction, LGBQ+, and medical malpractice. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services to help others who are suffering with mental illnes and addiction. In 2005, I was in an accident that not only totaled my vehicle, it left me with a broken clavical bone and some horrific headaches. At this time I was working for the State of Missouri as a front receptionist at the Division of Family Services. I loved my job because it gave me great pleasure to help others in my community get the resources they needed in order to live their lives comfortably with medical benefits and food assistance. Working with computers, the headaches became unbearable. I decided to make my doctors aware of the pain. I was then referred to a pain management doctor who wanted to put injections in my neck. This procedure was done the first and second time without complications. My third set of injections, I woke up and could not feel or move. I was paralyzed. The doctors told me i would never walk again. This brought on anxiety, PTSD, and major depression. I would later spiral down the dark and dangerous road of addiction. The settlement I received from the malpractice case was more than I could handle. I bought anything and everything I wanted. I went on vacations, bought myself and my three daughters new everything. With 1.1 million dollars, I even bought new friends who helped me spend every last penny. In 2012, my house was raided and busted for an active meth lab. I lost my daughter's, my home, my vehicles, and all of those so called "friends". I was completely alone. This brought on more depression and anxiety. I was lost. In 2020, I decided I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I walked into a treatment center with all my belongings in one duffel bag, and started my journey of recovery. Two months into my stay at the in-patient treatment facility, I got a call from my girlfriend's mother saying that my girlfriend had been placed in the intensive care unit due to a blood infection in her spine and heart from using needles. I was completely devastated and wanted so bad to be with her. My counselor told me that if I were to leave, I would lose my spot at the treatment facility. As hard as it was, I decided that my recovery could not be put in jeopardy by any means, and i stayed. That next day, I got the call saying the love of my life had passed away. My recovery had to be put first even in this situation. After treatment, I started doing online classes at Colorado Technical University for my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services. My goal is to work with others who suffer with addiction and mental health issues. I believe my story could possibly help others see that no matter the challenges in life, recovery is possible. Life does not have to be difficult every single day. Today, I am two months shy of celebrating 4 years clean. I am in the process of becoming a Peer Support Specialist for the State of Missouri, I have a full-time job, my own apartment and vehicle. I have a very patient sponsor who has helped me get to this point in my life where I am ready to help others who are suffering Thank you for your consideration, have a great rest of your day. Lisa Christian

My life experiences in life include mental health, addiction, LGBQ+, and medical malpractice. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services to help others who are suffering with mental illnes and addiction. In 2005, I was in an accident that not only totaled my vehicle, it left me with a broken clavical bone and some horrific headaches. At this time I was working for the State of Missouri as a front receptionist at the Division of Family Services. I loved my job because it gave me great pleasure to help others in my community get the resources they needed in order to live their lives comfortably with medical benefits and food assistance. Working with computers, the headaches became unbearable. I decided to make my doctors aware of the pain. I was then referred to a pain management doctor who wanted to put injections in my neck. This procedure was done the first and second time without complications. My third set of injections, I woke up and could not feel or move. I was paralyzed. The doctors told me i would never walk again. This brought on anxiety, PTSD, and major depression. I would later spiral down the dark and dangerous road of addiction. The settlement I received from the malpractice case was more than I could handle. I bought anything and everything I wanted. I went on vacations, bought myself and my three daughters new everything. With 1.1 million dollars, I even bought new friends who helped me spend every last penny. In 2012, my house was raided and busted for an active meth lab. I lost my daughter's, my home, my vehicles, and all of those so called "friends". I was completely alone. This brought on more depression and anxiety. I was lost. In 2020, I decided I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I walked into a treatment center with all my belongings in one duffel bag, and started my journey of recovery. Two months into my stay at the in-patient treatment facility, I got a call from my girlfriend's mother saying that my girlfriend had been placed in the intensive care unit due to a blood infection in her spine and heart from using needles. I was completely devastated and wanted so bad to be with her. My counselor told me that if I were to leave, I would lose my spot at the treatment facility. As hard as it was, I decided that my recovery could not be put in jeopardy by any means, and i stayed. That next day, I got the call saying the love of my life had passed away. My recovery had to be put first even in this situation. After treatment, I started doing online classes at Colorado Technical University for my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services. My goal is to work with others who suffer with addiction and mental health issues. I believe my story could possibly help others see that no matter the challenges in life, recovery is possible. Life does not have to be difficult every single day. Today, I am two months shy of celebrating 4 years clean. I am in the process of becoming a Peer Support Specialist for the State of Missouri, I have a full-time job, my own apartment and vehicle. I have a very patient sponsor who has helped me get to this point in my life where I am ready to help others who are suffering. Thank you for your consideration, have a great rest of your day. Lisa Christian

My life experiences in life include mental health, addiction, LGBQ+, and medical malpractice. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services to help others who are suffering with mental illnes and addiction. In 2005, I was in an accident that not only totaled my vehicle, it left me with a broken clavical bone and some horrific headaches. At this time I was working for the State of Missouri as a front receptionist at the Division of Family Services. I loved my job because it gave me great pleasure to help others in my community get the resources they needed in order to live their lives comfortably with medical benefits and food assistance. Working with computers, the headaches became unbearable. I decided to make my doctors aware of the pain. I was then referred to a pain management doctor who wanted to put injections in my neck. This procedure was done the first and second time without complications. My third set of injections, I woke up and could not feel or move. I was paralyzed. The doctors told me i would never walk again. This brought on anxiety, PTSD, and major depression. I would later spiral down the dark and dangerous road of addiction. The settlement I received from the malpractice case was more than I could handle. I bought anything and everything I wanted. I went on vacations, bought a house, cars, trucks, 4-wheelers, I bought myself and my three daughters new everything. With 1.1 million dollars, I even bought myself new friends. With new friends came new addictions. My life began a downward spiral even more that became too hard to control. In 2012, my house was raided and busted for an active meth lab. I lost my daughter's, my home, my vehicles, and all of those so called "friends". I was completely alone. This brought on depression, anxiety, and a feeling of being so alone I never knew could exist. There were days when I wished I would not wake up. I was lost, addicted, and all alone. In 2020, I decided I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. My friend, Todd, helped me get into a detox center and arranged for me to go to an in-patient treatment facility for a 90 day program to help me with my addiction. I walked into that treatment center with all my belongings in one duffel bag, and started my journey of recovery. Two months into my stay at the in-patient treatment facility, I got a call from my girlfriend's mother saying that my girlfriend had been placed in the intensive care unit (ICU), due to a blood infection in her spine and heart from using needles. I was completely devastated and wanted so bad to leave treatment to be with her. My counselor told me that if I were to leave, I would lose my spot at the treatment facility. As hard as it was, I decided that my recovery could not be put in jeopardy by any means, and I stayed. That next day, I got the call saying the love of my life had passed away. The depression and anxiety increased. I wanted so bad to leave treatment and say goodbye. I was scared though. I did not want to leave treatment only to have to start all over in a different location. My recovery had to be put first even in this situation. So, once again, I stayed. With the help of the counselors, my psychologist, and all of the other wonderful people at the facility, I was able to stay focused on what I was there for. I successfully completeded my treatment after 90 days and was able to leave and start my new life. After treatment, I enropled in online classes at Colorado Technical University for my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services. I am currently holding a 4.0 GPA and am a part of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. I have attended the training and passed the exam to become a Missouri State Certified Peer Support Specialist. My goal is to work with others who suffer with addiction and mental health issues. I believe my story could possibly help others see that no matter the challenges in life, recovery is possible. Life does not have to be difficult every single day. Today, I am two months shy of celebrating 4 years clean. I am in the process of becoming a Peer Support Specialist for the State of Missouri, I have a full-time job, my own apartment and vehicle. I attend Celebrate Recovery every Thursday where i can share about what has helped me stay clean and to discuss what haplens during my week, good and bad. I have a very patient sponsor who has helped me get to this point in my life where I am ready to help others who are suffering. Last month, I became a sponsor to where I can give back what has been given to me, freedom from addiction without judgment or condemnation for what has happened in life. Every day I wake up is a day to be grateful for. I try my hardest to stay positive and help others who are in need. Thank you for your consideration, have a great rest of your day. Lisa Christian

My life experiences in life include mental health, addiction, LGBQ+, and medical malpractice. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services to help others who are suffering with mental illnes and addiction. In 2005, I was in an accident that not only totaled my vehicle, it left me with a broken clavical bone and some horrific headaches. At this time I was working for the State of Missouri as a front receptionist at the Division of Family Services. I loved my job because it gave me great pleasure to help others in my community get the resources they needed in order to live their lives comfortably with medical benefits and food assistance. Working with computers, the headaches became unbearable. I decided to make my doctors aware of the pain. I was then referred to a pain management doctor who wanted to put injections in my neck. This procedure was done the first and second time without complications. My third set of injections, I woke up and could not feel or move. I was paralyzed. The doctors told me i would never walk again. This brought on anxiety, PTSD, and major depression. I would later spiral down the dark and dangerous road of addiction. The settlement I received from the malpractice case was more than I could handle. I bought anything and everything I wanted. I went on vacations, bought myself and my three daughters new everything. With 1.1 million dollars, I even bought new friends who helped me spend every last penny. In 2012, my house was raided and busted for an active meth lab. I lost my daughter's, my home, my vehicles, and all of those so called "friends". I was completely alone. This brought on more depression and anxiety. I was lost. In 2020, I decided I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I walked into a treatment center with all my belongings in one duffel bag, and started my journey of recovery. Two months into my stay at the in-patient treatment facility, I got a call from my girlfriend's mother saying that my girlfriend had been placed in the intensive care unit due to a blood infection in her spine and heart from using needles. I was completely devastated and wanted so bad to be with her. My counselor told me that if I were to leave, I would lose my spot at the treatment facility. As hard as it was, I decided that my recovery could not be put in jeopardy by any means, and i stayed. That next day, I got the call saying the love of my life had passed away. My recovery had to be put first even in this situation. After treatment, I started doing online classes at Colorado Technical University for my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services. My goal is to work with others who suffer with addiction and mental health issues. I believe my story could possibly help others see that no matter the challenges in life, recovery is possible. Life does not have to be difficult every single day. Today, I am two months shy of celebrating 4 years clean. I am in the process of becoming a Peer Support Specialist for the State of Missouri, I have a full-time job, my own apartment and vehicle. I have a very patient sponsor who has helped me get to this point in my life where I am ready to help others who are suffering. Thank you for your consideration, have a great rest of your day. Lisa Christian

My name is Lisa Christian. I am 45 years old. I have three amazing daughters and five adorable grandchildren. There will be an additional grandchild coming in the middle of September. I live in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Trust me whenever I say there is never a dull moment. I am a recovering addict with 1,393 days clean from heroin, meth, and every other drug I could put in my veins. I am super proud of myself and how far I have come in my recovery journey. This brings me to the reason I am applying for scholarships. I have started online courses to get my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice - Human Services. I am currently holding a 4.0 GPA, and have been on the President's List since I started in February of 2023. I believe I have exhausted all of the federal funding resources available to me. I want to finish this degree for a couple of different reasons. (1) I have never been so determined to finish anything in my life until now. (2) I want to be able to help those who are suffering with active addiction, like I was helped when I first began my recovery journey. My ultimate goal is to open a substance abuse treatment facility. This would be a place where people could come and get clean no matter what their finances look like. I want to be able to help to anyone and everyone who wants to get clean, no matter if they have insurance or not. I want to be able to share my experience with others and let them know that recovery may be difficult, but it is definitely worth the effort. I was once told that the things you work hard to achieve are the things you value the most in life. I believe this with every ounce of my being. Sharing my story with others will not only show others that recovery is possible, it will show them that no matter where you are in life, things can change in an instant. In the beginning of my addiction, I was in a car accident. I was able to go back to work afterwards, but I was having a lot of pain in my neck and I was having bad headaches. So, I went to the doctor and he recommended I get injections in my neck. Well, the third set of injections paralyzed me for about a year and a half. I received a huge lump sum of money because of the malpractice. This was the start of a horrific spiral. I went from having 1.1 million dollars to being homeless within a matter of 4 years. I lost my kids, other family members, and myself. I have nothing left from that settlement. I walked away with one thing though, my life. Today, I work a full-time job, my kids are back in my life, and I am doing my best to finish this degree. I have a purpose in life. I need to share my story with others who are suffering with active addiction, so they can get clean and return the favor, just like me. Thank you for your time. Lisa Christian