Amy Gottlieb, Michelle Makris and Rachel Docekal
Substance Use Prevention, Advocacy, Treatment And Recovery Support
Real superheroes don’t wear capes, but when you learn about the heroic work Hanley Foundation is doing to help people recover from substance use disorders and raise the age of first use in Palm Beach County from 10 to 14.5 since 2000 through evidence-based prevention programming, the wonder women behind the organization deserve a badge of honor.
In the world of substance use, there is no greater villain than fentanyl. Hanley Foundation volunteer Michelle Makris’ 23-year-old son Brice relapsed in March 2020 by taking a pill unknowingly laced with fentanyl.
The fatal poisoning forever changed the trajectory of his family’s life. His parents turned tragedy into triumph and sprang into action by creating the Brice Makris Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships to people with financial burdens who need treatment.
“I took all my passion, grief and love for my child,” she says. “[People] said to Brice that he could save 100 men and women in the throes of recovery. That always resonated with us, and since he can’t fulfill that prophecy and legacy, we’re doing it on his behalf.”
The 3rd annual Brice Makris Brunch will take place on December 10 at Boca West Country Club. Dave Aronberg, Florida State Attorney for Palm Beach County, will serve as honorary chair of the event. The Brice Makris Community Spirit Award will be presented to board member Erica Garwood and her husband John who have a foundation in their son Mark’s memory. Sponsorships, tickets and volunteer opportunities are still available and the organization is accepting auction items.
Led by CEO Rachel Docekal, MBA, Ed.D, Hanley Foundation has provided more than 500 Lifesaver Scholarships to people in need of treatment in the past year alone. “The people who have had very successful recoveries and healthy lives are my heroes,” Makris credits.
Founded in 1986, Hanley Foundation would have never existed had it not been for Mary Jane Hanley’s own struggle with substance use disorder. The organization has since impacted over a million lives throughout Florida, making her “the number one wonder woman,” says Amy Gottlieb, Director of Development for Hanley Foundation.
Hanley Foundation, 101 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, 561-268-2355, hanleyfoundation.org
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