Our Speakers
Flo & Gil Mulhere (Kevin Mulhere)
After we lost our son Kevin to a drug overdose on February 2, 2003 , we sought ways that we could help other parents and adolescents deal with the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Although this has been a very difficult journey , we have been immensely rewarded by the opportunity to be part of California Youth Services (CYS). We do this to help prevent the pain, destruction, lost potential and even death, that substance abuse and delinquent behavior may invariably bring to a youth and their family. We know that we are making a difference in many lives . This is our commitment to work with CYS in memory of our precious son Kevin who we love and miss so much.
David Hungerford (Shanon Hungerford)
Since we lost Shanon to a drug overdose the sense of loss and sadness we feel is beyond words. How could such a beautiful, bright and popular young girl fall victim to drug abuse? Her tragic story illustrates that no young person is safe from the potential destruction of drug abuse. Upon her death I made a vow that Shanon would not just be buried and forgotten. I knew that her life had meaning and her life had a purpose. I felt that if her story could help other young people her short life on this earth would have a positive lasting legacy. Since becoming involved in CYS I have spoken to many young people and their parents. I know in my heart that Shanon and I are helping save other young lives and she is proud of the work we are doing together.
Delita & Peter Kiggen (Karla-Rae Kiggen)
The loss of our precious daughter Karla-Rae to a drug overdose has been absolutely devastating to our family. The continual deep pain and sense of loss is never ending.
Karla was an outstanding student at school and college, she always performed at the highest level and for her to choose to take a drug cocktail at a camping party is very difficult to understand and accept.
Once we came to realize the escalating dangers of substance abuse to our youth we searched for a community based program whereby Karla could tell her story through us to her friends and larger peer group. We subsequently joined CYS as it gave us the forum to address both parents and children at the same time thus ensuring that the family listen to Karla's story and hopefully gain the strength needed to fight this scourge. We know that Karla is with us every day to help us in the fight to save lives.
To see her story go to www.facebook.com and search for KARLA-RAE DELITA KIGGEN