I became a ward of the state in {~date~} due to abuse/neglect in my home in {~Interior Alaska~}. I was in 13 foster homes, group homes and then juvenile detention at the age of 14. I suffered with addiction due to many things in my past and it led me to prison with a 20 year sentence for a drug crime. In prison I began my healing process in dealing with the things that led me to addiction and prison. In {~date~}this journey began and today I am a productive member of society, I have 18 years drug free and I'm an advocate for others like me. I lost my son in {~date~}to a murder in {~Southcentral Alaska~}. And it was a true test of my healing and recovery as I walked through the grief without relapsing or falling deep into depression. It only fueled my desire to raise awareness on ACEs and addiction and to be a part of the solution for many who have experienced traumatizing events and circumstances.