From Papa Nowell

Finding Hope Through Tragedy

by Jim Nowell

I lost my son, Bradley Nowell, in 1996 to a heroin overdose. He was 28 years old and on tour with his band, Sublime.

In my experience and in conversations with other parents who have lost their children to drugs, the senseless death of a child is the defining moment in a parent’s life. It will cast a pall over your remaining days like nothing else.

Well-meaning people will try to console you, but parents who have also lived through such a tragic loss will only nod their heads. There are no words possible.

However, one thing we have in common is an overwhelming desire to find a way to bring some meaning to the premature loss of our loved ones.

My search has led to the formation of The Nowell Family Foundation – out of a desire to help victims of opiate addiction and to save their parents from the anguish I went through, from the endless sleepless nights spent worrying about the welfare of their child and the dread of receiving the call that every parent fears.

We at The Nowell Family Foundation are dedicated to helping people get the call they are hoping for – the one in which they are informed that their loved one has found help thanks to the generosity of others.

Thank you for partnering with us to make a difference.

– Jim Nowell

 

2 Comment(s)

  1. Mike Janich

    I grew up in Long Beach and Sublime is still my favorite band. There’s no better way to honor your son’s life than to do what you are doing now. I’m proud of the decision you have made. I, too, struggled with opiate addiction but found the way out before it was too late. Hopefully your center will help make an impact on others suffering in the drug crisis over-running our country! Sending LOVE and HOPE! Mike J

    March 8, 2018 at 3:31 am
  2. P.J. Dupont

    Jim,
    Your son had a tremendous impact on my life and the things that you guys are doing to help others with struggling addiction is nothing short of heroic! It warms my heart to see somebody care so much, and want to help others the way you guys do. You can look forward to many donations from my family to yours on behalf of Bradley and the music that he brought to my life, you changed my life and inspired me in ways that no other musician has. So from my family to yours thank you and good luck on getting Bradley’s House up and going, and I look forward to being a small part of it through my donations, following the website, Facebook page, and spreading the word far and wide!
    Again.. Thank you!

    February 16, 2019 at 10:53 am

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