We cannot begin to say how wonderful those five days were for them. My wife has said several times that she would not have understood my disease and the recovery process if it hadn't been for that program. They both learned important lessons about themselves as well.
Darvin E.

Dear Hazelden,
Hazelden, and especially my counselor, missed nothing, and left no stone unturned during my stay. I was shown the compassion, concern, and honesty that I needed desperately to come to terms with my addiction.

The dark and bottomless abyss of my soul has been transformed into a place of warmth and light. My gratitude is truly inexpressible in words. To those who contribute their time and money, I may never know who you are, but I owe you my life. You pulled me from the wreckage, lifted me out of hell, and gave me the greatest gift of all -- hope.

Thank you
Benjamin N.

To whom it may concern,
My stay at Hazelden was more than I ever could have imagined. I was able to confront problems that had been a part of me since the age of five. While at Hazelden, I celebrated my 56th birthday. For the first time, I know and feel I have hope for the life I could only dream about before. The 28 days there were, without question, the best time I've had in my life, and now I'm determined to find happiness and serenity.

I have tons of gratitude and will always be thankful to the Hazelden Foundation for making this a reality for me. Without the financial assistance, I'm sure it would have been impossible for me to ever attend Hazelden, the best treatment program in existence. I thank you all for giving me another chance at life.

Respectfully yours forever!
Derek L

To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who made it possible for me to get the help I so deeply needed.

I am a 32 year old female who lost everything due to drinking. The only thing I did not lose was my life and that would have been next. A few months before I went into treatment, I lost my brother to suicide because of this disease and I knew I'd be right behind him. Therefore, I had to choose between life and death. I knew I didn't want to die. I also knew I couldn't live my life as I was any longer.

I had already lost my kids, my home, and was sitting in jail. I felt hopeless and helpless with nowhere to turn. I had no money and no insurance. I saw no light at the end of the tunnel.

Then a gift from God came my way in the form of Hazelden and the Donor Program. I took the gift and went to Hazelden and learned so much -- not just how to live sober but also how to deal with life on life's terms and not my own.

I have now been sober for a little over 6 months and thankful to be alive. Instead of being helpless, I can now help others still suffering. Instead of being hopeless, I'm back in school and seeing a brighter tomorrow.

I am now facing the upcoming death of my dad. With what I've learned and taken with me from Hazelden and my Higher Power, I know I will be able to face it without a drink.

The gift I received from Hazelden and the Donor Program is with me on a daily basis and it will for the rest of my life -- a life that they helped save.

Thank you for my life back... Thank you for another day...

Sincerely and gratefully yours,
Vicky J.

Dear Hazelden,
I am writing to express my gratitude for the donation that made my stay at Hazelden possible. There are really no words that can express how much it meant for me to receive this gift. Because of my financial situation and having no insurance, it simply would not have been possible for me to get the help I needed. As a result of my stay, I truly have hope in my life again.

I pray that I can return this gift in some manner. My sobriety obviously is the first and foremost way to show my gratitude. One day at a time. I hope to continue that journey. I also hope that by doing some type of volunteer work for Hazelden, I can have a small part in helping other suffering addicts recover.

The employees, volunteers, and my peer group all played a significant part in beginning my recovery. I hope to do the same for others. Thank you again.

In sincere gratitude,

God Bless,
Fabian M.

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