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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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we believe that every person
should be given the chance to
spread their
wings & soar
into a successful,
productive and sober life.
Helping to Combat the
Trend of Opioid Addiction
R
yan’s Wings is a non-profit,
grass roots, organization
founded in 2015 by a group
of parents all impacted by opioid addiction. The board members are a
tight-knit group of Shaler Area alumni who came together after the tragic
overdose death of Ryan Pappa (son of President, Nancy Plavetzky). The
idea for the organization was fueled by Board Member Mary Lou Kaplan,
whose twin daughters have also battled addiction, and wanted to make
Ryan’s death be the beginning of a positive force in the battle against
addiction.
Shaler Area, like all communities, has been severely impacted by drug
overdose deaths (69 overdose deaths from 2013-2017). Ryan was a son,
a brother, a leader at his job, a homeowner and loved by all who knew
him when he accidently overdosed at age 26. His mom, Nancy, recalls
the “stigma” people attach to addicts. “People hear addict and think of a
homeless person shooting heroin on the street. Addicts can be students,
co-workers, friends, neighbors and most importantly, they are someone’s
son or daughter. We don’t talk about it because we are embarrassed and
afraid to be judged as parents. My hope is that Ryan’s story raises awareness
of the importance of educating ourselves, communicating with our kids
and welcoming the support of other families struggling with addiction.
Just know, you are not alone.”
Ryan’s Wings assists those struggling with placement of inpatient
treatment, sober living expenses and support through their STAR
(Scholarship to Aid Recovery) Program. Ryan’s Wings provides a support
group for parents, spouses and family members dealing with addiction
and offers support and information surrounding the family dynamic of
enabling and co-dependency. These meetings are held at Stoneridge
Covenant Church. Their services are provided at no cost.
While fundraising efforts are constant, the two main yearly events
include their bike run, “Rockin’ with Ryan’s Wings” held in June/July of each
year. Five local bands donated their time and talents to help make this a
huge success in 2018. Their annual Golf Outing is held in September.
Ryan’s Wings also does a “give-back” at Christmas time and selects a
different charity each year to donate toys, clothing and other needed items
for those less fortunate.
Kaplan said that people are beginning to realize the scope of the opioid
epidemic in the medical and insurance industries, but it’s still the everyday
people in every neighborhood who refuse to admit that the problem is out
there.
Overdose deaths are at an all time high with 72,000 deaths in the United
States in 2017, of which, 14 overdose deaths in the Shaler Area School
District alone.
“There are people dying in every community across this country, but a
lot of people just want to keep their heads in the sand until it’s too late,” she
said.
Visit www.ryanswings.org, where you can donate directly online and
find resources if you or someone you know needs help. We are all in this
together!
ryan’s wings board at the annual golf outing
SHALER
❘
winter 2018
45