Dear Family Member:
Testimonies demonstrate the transformative power of Jesus Christ in one’s life. Listen to Cameron’s remarkable story:
My name is Cameron Anthony, and I am 34 years old and was addicted to alcohol coming into the program. I lived a wonderful life growing up, a childhood every child wishes for. I have wonderful parents who have been married for almost 40 years. My actions have put them through an emotional roller coaster that was often filled with worry, but they continued to always want the best for me and have always been there through good and tough times. I am blessed to have the relationship I have with them today. I have a sister who is two years younger who I love dearly and am very proud to call my sister. I have a 12-year-old son, Carter, who is a talented athlete and an even better student and young man. I am blessed to have a son who still looks at me as his hero. I have an awesome support system who has been nothing short of amazing.
I never drank alcohol or used drugs until shortly after graduating from high school. I started out drinking here and there and before I knew it seemed like I was drinking every day until it turned out of control in 2018. Alcohol had complete control of me and was a centerpiece in my life. I made some mistakes which not only affected my life but also others around me, especially close family who just wanted the best for me, but my struggle became very apparent at times. I went to 30-day rehabs twice before going to Alabama which had little to no effect as I was drinking within a couple days after completing those programs.
My life was spiraling out of control, relationships with those closest to me were becoming tiring and worrying-some for everyone. I needed restoration, something permanent for the long run and a change in my thinking and my heart. I needed to start having some joy in my heart as a result of living life the right way doing the right things and I found that again at DAP. I had little to no experience reading or discussing the Bible until I came to the program where I found what an incredible difference it makes to live a life sober with God. It’s not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them with a strength and perspective that only He can provide. When I started trusting in His plan, I found joy and peace I never knew existed. We have to be willing to change, and we have to want to change because we are sick and tired of being sick and tired and hurting those around us.
My perspective on my experience at DAP started to change drastically for the better after a conversation with Aaron Citizen, who was a friend of mine and had previously completed the program in California who said, “Yes, it could always be worse but once you start looking at this opportunity to change your life as a blessing your perspective will change” and mine did. My view started to change and so did my experience. This experience brought out my resilience as life is going to have its ups and downs, but it doesn’t have to keep us down.
Life’s journey is still a winding road, but with God, it feels less like a struggle and more like a grand adventure. I’ve learned to appreciate the small things, to find beauty in the ordinary, and to trust that even in the midst of challenges, He is working everything out for good. I’ve learned not to take anything in life for granted and there is something we can learn from everyone in life whether good or bad.
It’s a constant process of learning and growing, I have learned not to forget the past but not get stuck in it because life will continue to move on. We need to grow from our past experiences and look at them as lessons learned, not time wasted which was said by Mr. Conwell, a counselor in the program. We can’t change the past, but we can determine how we are going to view this precious time on earth right now. I discovered a life filled with purpose, joy, and an abundance of blessings I never thought possible. There is so much about life to enjoy if it is lived the right way. I am forever grateful for all of DAP and the Harris’s for an opportunity to change my life.
We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support as a faithful member of our family. Your generosity is crucial to our continued provision of vital services, bringing hope and healing to those affected by addiction. As we advance in faith, we seek your sustained financial backing and partnership. With the daily trust of resources, we can significantly improve the lives of those in need. Thank you for your generosity and dedication to DAP’s mission. Your love and appreciation mean the world to us, and our gratitude exceeds expression.
With warm regards,
