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#33: This week on Rise, Recover, Live, Bryce The Third sits down with Sharon Donnelly (she/her), President of the Teddy Kradzinski Foundation, registered nurse and Certified Case Manager (CCM). 

Sharon shares a deeply personal story as a mother navigating her son Teddy's battle with substance use disorder. She reflects on the challenges of finding resources and treatment in a fragmented system—what she describes as a relentless “hamster wheel”—and the three years she spent with Teddy while he was in recovery. Throughout their journey, Sharon emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, taking care of yourself, and meeting loves ones where they are.

By sharing her story, including the heartbreaking loss of Teddy to an accidental overdose, Sharon hopes to bring comfort to other bereaved families and spread awareness. She wants them to know they are not alone, and that a compassionate, understanding community is here to support them.

Teddy was so much more than his addiction. His legacy of open-heartedness, curiosity, and non-judgmental spirit lives on through the work of the Teddy Kradzinski Foundation. 

Learn more about the Teddy Kradzinski Foundation by visiting www.teawithted.org and follow along on Instagram @tea_withted and Facebook. To connect directly, you can reach Sharon at info@teawithted.org.

Register for the 4th Annual Walk to Remember in honor of Teddy, in Philadelphia on June 21, 2025, at givebutter.com/TKFwalk2025. 

Join The Sun Will Rise Foundation on New Form mobile app here: https://links.thephoenix.org/uYCgTQP7tTb.

For additional grief support resources, visit Steps4Hope at www.steps4hope.org.

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If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis, the following resources can provide immediate help.*

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please dial 911.

- Dial 988 for the SAMSHA Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.  Available 24/7
- Text “HOME” to 741-741 for the NAMI Crisis Text Line.  Available 24/7.
- Dial 1-800-622-2255 to connect with a nearby treatment center & community resources through the NCADD Hope Line. Available 24/7.
- Call or text 1-844-326-5400 for The GSCA CARES Warm Line.  Answered by Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialists with lived experience of Substance Use Recovery.  Available any day of the year, 8:30am-11pm EST

*Note: The resources listed are provided for informational purposes only.  This list is not comprehensive and does not constitute an endors

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