To be honest, I don’t exactly remember how I first got involved with TriCircle. I believe it started the first year I organized a motorcycle run in memory of my daughter, Raianna Perez. I knew I wanted to donate to an organization that truly made a difference in the community. When I found TriCircle, something told me it was the right place—and I couldn’t have chosen better.
The people at TriCircle have helped me more than words can express. After losing my daughter on Christmas in 2021, I was in a very dark place. I was suicidal, self-destructive, and had no desire to keep going. I made many desperate calls to 211, but it was the support and understanding I received from TriCircle that pulled me through.
At first, I was hesitant to get involved. I thought being around others who had lost loved ones would only lead to more tears and sadness. But what I discovered was something so much more powerful: we lift each other up. We support one another. We grow stronger together. Yes, we all share a bond that no one ever wants to be part of—but within that bond, we find love, compassion, and strength. When we see each other, it’s not just sadness—it’s hugs, understanding, and healing.
Raianna wasn’t an addict. She made one wrong decision after an argument we had. Because she didn’t really use, I never thought about rehab or intervention. But since her passing, I’ve become much more educated about substance use, and I’ve learned about the amazing programs TriCircle offers. There is a separate company called TriCircle Restoration LLC, that was simultaneously created to help educate communities. It brings light to what people walk by and/or throw out the window of a vehicle while driving. I am especially moved by The Paraphernalia Project, the work is being done and used to show communities what’s out there, while removing dangerous paraphernalia from the roadsides, walkways and parks. That kind of community care is so important.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that self-love and taking care of yourself is crucial—especially when you’ve lost someone to substance use or are supporting someone through it. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming retreat. Every event, every meeting, every support group—whether it’s a SMART group or a service project—has made a difference. These things keep us connected, grounded, and moving forward.
There are moments that remind me just how connected we all are. Recently, I was at a Matt Fraser event in Torrington, standing in line, and I felt a strange energy around a woman nearby. We started talking—and sure enough, she had lost her son. She lived just one town over from me. Moments like that remind me how close this crisis hits home for so many of us.
This fentanyl epidemic is heartbreaking. It’s taken out a whole generation, and it continues to steal futures. But as Matt Fraser reminded us, our loved ones are still with us. I hold onto that every day.
This year marks the fourth motorcycle run I’ve done for Raianna. I hope she’s proud of me, because this is how I keep her name alive. Being part of TriCircle means the world to me. I truly believe in what this organization does, and I’m honored to be involved. You’ve helped so many of us, and I look forward to giving back—volunteering, supporting others, and continuing to heal together.
Because, as the saying goes, Together WE are Stronger!