LOVE LIKE NAT: Bridging Stabilization to Lasting Recovery

The unofficial campaign “Love Like Nat” began on December 1, 2023—the day we said goodbye to a beautiful soul who touched the lives of so many. At memorials, it is often said that the person being honored lit up every room, was a friend to all, or had the brightest smile. While such words can sometimes feel cliché, they carry a deeper truth: everyone is someone’s brightest light, kindest soul, and most beautiful smile. That belief is the heart of Worthy beCause—a reminder that every person has inherent worth because they are deeply loved by someone.

Each of us carries a past that shapes our sense of worth, safety, love, trust, and belonging. No one chooses the weight of addiction or the struggles of mental illness. These are not sudden decisions but deeply personal journeys, often rooted in experiences of trauma, pain, and survival. Natalie’s story reminds us of this truth.

Natalie endured a life marked by trauma and adversity, circumstances that made her vulnerable to addiction and risk-taking. If her hardships were written out like a résumé, they might have painted a picture of someone unrecognizable from the vibrant, loving, resilient young woman we knew. Despite the darkness of her experiences, she embodied light. Despite her pain, she was a fighter. Her struggle with addiction was not a choice—it was a battle that clung to her no matter how hard she tried to break free.

The little girl who loved sports, laughter, and life was robbed of the future she deserved. She was a survivor who worked hard to mask her pain, but eventually, the weight became unbearable. Like so many, she turned to numbing as a way to cope.

While her story is heartbreaking, it is not unique. And it must be told—not to ask for sympathy, but to raise awareness. Addiction and mental illness do not define a person. No one is the sum of their actions, their diagnosis, or their mistakes. Behind every struggle is a human being—with a history, a family, hopes, scars, and a desire to be seen and valued. They are not weak. They are not broken. They are human, and they are worthy.

With that said, the official "Love Like Nat" campaign was born. A way to provide affordable wellness and Trauma Informed Care services, while providing scholarship opportunities to people in later phases of their recovery. Natalie is missed every single day. She was “our person.” She gave endlessly, even when she had little left to give. She loved fiercely and without judgment. She had the rare gift of seeing people for who they truly were—not as an addict or a victim, not as a villain or a burden. She saw them as worthy. Worthy beCause…

If you're passionate about supporting those facing mental health and addiction struggles, your involvement can make a real difference. By giving financially, you help fund vital programs and resources that bring hope and healing to those who need it most. Not ready to give? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about ongoing efforts and discover meaningful ways to contribute. Every action, big or small, helps build a stronger, more compassionate community.

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