In the darkest and most stressful times, we find ways to push through the pain and move forward. We, as human beings, find strength and peace through helping others and having faith.
Tracy Allen went through one of the hardest experiences a parent could have: the death of her son. On November 6, 2016, her son Brandon passed away from an accidental overdose, leaving behind the broken hearts of his loved ones. In his memory, Allen founded a non-profit organization called Brandon’s Cause in order to raise awareness to help in the fight against drug addiction and overdose.
In the past, Brandon’s Cause has hosted car shows and donated its proceeds to the Respite House in Valparaiso. This home gave Brandon the tools and resources to live four years in recovery prior to his death. Allen hopes to expand the proceeds to help other sober homes in the area in the coming years.
“After my son passed away, I wanted to do something so that the same fate wouldn’t happen to others,” Allen explained. “Since my older son was involved in drugs and didn’t have the resources to support him prior to the Respite House, I founded Brandon’s Cause in an effort to prevent another family from experiencing what we did. Recovering from drug use is hard, so I hope that our funds help them jump over those hurdles and create a strong support system.”
Allen explained that after her son’s death, she and her family moved to Portage and began going to church much more. She states that her faith in God is her driving force every day and motivates her to do good for the community around her.
“To me, faith is being grateful and knowing that I will be taken care of,” Allen explained. “Even in the worst time of my life, God was there taking care of me and helping me pick up the pieces that led to Brandon’s Cause.”
Allen explained that she learned that one person with a mission can make a difference in so many lives.
“Through this mission, I’m able to make something out of Brandon’s life,” Allen said. “I feel invigorated through Brandon’s Cause. When I meet other people who have been affected by drug addiction like I was, I feel compelled to help them like I did with Brandon. They are a part of my family.”
Allen’s mission can be defined by a simple phrase that Brandon used to say: “Keep on keeping on!”
“Despite the heartache, Brandon’s Cause has been a blessed community experience,” Allen said. “I have met other people whose loved ones have been affected by drug addiction, and it has been an enlightening experience to interact and help those in need. I will keep doing what I do in the name of my son.”
For more information about Brandon’s Cause, please visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Brandons-Cause-115162489891676/
Brandon's Cause will be hosting its annual Car, Bike, Truck, and vendor show on September 25, 2021 from 10 p.m. – 2 p.m. at Life Community Church 780 McCool Rd in South Haven.