Ceci Iliff has been involved with TriCircle since its inception in 2016, when she met Ana through a mutual acquaintance. She has hosted many fundraising events through the years and her organization, called TheCharityChallenge.net, was founded to help raise awareness and funds for the cause. Ceci has also proudly served as a member of the TriCircle Fundraising & Events Committee and the Communications & Public Relations Committee.
On January 11, 2019, Ceci experienced the loss of her 28 year old son Ben, to the disease of addiction.
As is the case for so many, Ben’s life was fraught with mental health challenges from a very early age. As a young boy, he had no fear, no regard for consequences and a zest for risk-taking and adventure. There was a lot of noise in Ben’s head, the volume was turned up high, yet deep down he craved a stillness that he seemed unable to “achieve” without the use of drugs.
Ben made his transition after a long and courageous journey through the roller coaster of challenges associated with substance use disorder and the disease of addiction. “I am grateful for every moment of Ben’s life and for the many ways he helped us learn not only about the disease, but also about acceptance, unconditional love, patience, compassion, gratitude and understanding.”
To get a flavor for his life, here is an excerpt from Ben’s obituary:
“It is impossible to capture a person’s life in a few words. Ben was funny, kind, polite, helpful, eager, intelligent, interesting, creative, artistic, articulate, silly and lots of fun. He was a gifted artist – music, drawing and painting were his passions. He was adored as a son, grandson, father, brother, nephew, cousin and friend.
After the birth of his son Kaleb in 2018, Ben tried hard to discover himself and his spiritual connection to the pure positive energy that could help him take control of his life and begin to create a brighter future for himself and his family. Until he drew his last breath, we believed that he would overcome this disease and make the life for himself that we knew he deserved. Ben is no longer limited by his physical form, and it is clear that we are more connected to him now than ever before. We take comfort in knowing that Ben is surrounded by infinite light and love, free from the obstacles he often encountered during his journey here.”
Ceci shared with us that for many years there were behavior problems, disciplinary challenges, arrests and relationship issues. “It was exhausting trying to find help for Ben, we searched everywhere for a good fit and by the time he was 13, he was already reaching for illegal drugs in an attempt to make the noise in his head go away.”
“We urgently need real, long term solutions to address the mental health challenges that often co-occur with this deadly epidemic that is escalating worldwide. The long range plan that TriCircle is working toward holds the key to saving lives.”
Once the 3 phase plan is fully implemented, TriCircle will provide an uninterrupted continuum of care that offers residential, individualized, comprehensive, holistic services that will break the cycle of relapse and recidivism and make it possible for many more individuals and families to live successfully in long term recovery. TriCircle is working hard to help those who are affected by addiction have bright futures filled with hope.
Please get involved and be part of the solution.