Fundraiser planned for drug awareness
The family of a Buffalo Grove college student who died of a drug overdose is trying to bring awareness to substance abuse by holding a fundraiser in his honor.
Alex Laliberte was home on break from Western Illinois University last December when he took a deadly dose of heroin. His mom Jody Daitchman said losing her son has been devastating, and she wants to bring to others' attention that kids who use drugs and their families all suffer.
"The purpose is to remember him and make people aware that it definitely can happen to anyone," Daitchman said. "I would never want anyone to go through this because it's always there with you to think I'm never going to see him grow up and enjoy life."
Laliberte's family created Live 4 Lali, a nonprofit drug awareness group, and is holding a disc golf tournament on June 27 to raise funds for the St. Mary Parish drug abuse program and other area substance abuse programs. The event will be held rain or shine between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Willow Stream Disc Golf Course in Buffalo Grove.
Deaths resulting from drug overdoses have been on the rise in Lake County. Last week, Daitchman spoke at a Buffalo Grove forum that focused on the growing heroin problem in the suburbs. She also speaks at a drug rehab center in Hoffman Estates to people with drug and alcohol addictions, and attends meetings with a bereavement support group of other mothers whose children have died from drug overdoses.
"How many people have lost children and how many parents have children in rehab - it's like a whole new world to me. A sad world," Daitchman said.
The family has set up a Facebook page and Web site, live4lali.wordpress.com, for those who want more information about the group and the tournament.
If you go
What: Live 4 Lali Disc Golf Tournament
When: 8 to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 27
Where: Buffalo Grove Park District Willow Stream Golf Course
Cost: $15 per person (includes luncheon and discs)
To register or donate: Wend a check or money order made payable to Live 4 Lali, Inc., 1126 N. Franklin, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
More information: Contact Gary Laliberte at glolly@comcast.net