A Movement of Love: A Message from the Heart

The fentanyl crisis is not just a distant headline; it's a storm that's here and now. For our family, it's the Story of our daughter and sister, Emily, who we lost in 2020 to accidental fentanyl poisoning. Her passing left a void, but also a fierce determination to turn our grief into HOPE. That is why we created Aperture of Hope. We believe every young person deserves to know they matter. Through our 'YOU MATTER' initiatives, events, public speaking and connecting with community we have shared Emily's Story with over 10,000 youth, adults and the world empowering them to find their meaning and purpose in this world. Emily's school backpack continues to be filled with words of inspiration from teens who have been touched by this work; messages of gratitude, cries for help, and a testament to the lives Emily continues to save. This is a critical moment, the need is urgent, and we cannot do this alone. We are reaching out to ask for your support in becoming a sponsor which in turn will be heartfelt for many and a partnership in HOPE. It is a chance to walk with us, filling this void with light, one young person at a time. Will you join us in this vital work? 

Sponsorship: A Priceless Act of Love

Make an Impact Monetary Sponsorship: Your financial gift directly fuels our outreach, allowing us to be there for our youth. One hundred percent of your sponsorship supports our mission and youth programs. 

Advocacy In Action Outreach:

Let's Talk & Education - How do we save lives? Have honest “real” conversations and letting everyone know "YOU MATTER" We share our message and create awareness for schools, youth organizations, community resources, parent groups, and a variety of organizations. We also provide educational resources to help further.

Empowered Voices & Creative Outlets - A voice is a powerful message that can be shared through the vibrant expressions of art, the soul-stirring melodies of music, podcast, impactful words of writing, and every positive action you take. It is through these channels that healing occurs and unity blossoms in harmony. Our teens and youth are brimming with innovative ideas, lighting the way for change and fostering awareness that resonates across the globe.

Scroll Out and Connect - Put the social media down and take a second or two to connect to someone or someplace new.

Awareness Flags & YOU MATTER - Our flags stand as a poignant tribute to those lost to the devastating impact of fentanyl poisoning, transforming grief into a powerful visual statement of hope and resilience. Through this initiative, we aim not only to honor the memories of those who have suffered but also to foster understanding and compassion within our community. By inviting shared experiences, we break down stigma and encourage open conversations about the realities of substance use. Each flag symbolizes our unwavering commitment to guiding those in distress and reminds us all to 'Be The Light' in the fight against the perilous threats of illicit drugs. Together, we create a supportive space for mourning and learning, reinforcing that no one is truly immune to the risks of overdose and accidental fentanyl poisoning.

Your Compassion in Action, How You Are Saving Lives: 

Your sponsorship is a tangible difference, a hand to hold, and a hope to share. It enables us to provide young people with the tools they need to discover their voice and purpose through programs available on our website at www.apertureofhope.com. Your support is a gift to the world and a partnership in HOPE. A chance to be a part of Emily's legacy, to turn the tide on this crisis, and to help us save lives, one young person at a time.

Connect: Let's get to know each other 

Please contact Cath Adams to chat or text at (970) 948-3621 or email [email protected]. We would love to get acquainted and discuss creative opportunities to become a sponsor. 

The Story of the YOU MATTER: Life-saving art created by Ashley Adams

Sometimes, it can be challenging and complex to find your place in the world and feel like you truly belong. For Emily, that feeling was a constant companion, a quiet hum beneath the surface of her vibrant, wonder-filled life. But if there was one thing Emily knew how to do, it was to serve others. Her heart was a compass, always pointing toward those who needed a hand, a listening ear, or a warm smile. She found her purpose in helping others find theirs, and in doing so, she built a legacy of kindness that would outlive her. Even as she struggled with her own feelings of not fitting in, Emily became a beacon of light for those around her. She was a master of forgiveness, a quiet advocate for grace, and a living testament to the power of being present for others. Just months before her passing, she shared a simple but profound wish: she wanted to 'Be The Light' in other people's lives. It was a mission she lived every single day, right up until her last breath in April 2020. That day, a day that should have been a celebration, was her younger sister's 16th birthday. How do you celebrate a birthday on the day your sister gains her angel wings? For Emily's sister, Ashley, the answer was to transform her grief into something beautiful and meaningful. Ashley decided to create a symbol of hope, love, and purpose, a symbol that would carry Emily's legacy forward and share her message with the world. She gathered the ingredients of Emily's life. The first was Emily's wish to 'Be The Light'—a phrase that captured the essence of who she was and is represented by the sun. Then there was Mt. Sopris, a majestic mountain that stood in the backyard of their family home, a symbol of unwavering strength and beauty. The shaka sign was Emily's signature, a lighthearted gesture that radiated her easygoing spirit and purple being Emily's favorite color. Finally, there were the five simple cards found in Emily's wallet after she passed, each with two powerful words: 'YOU MATTER.' Those five cards, one for each member of our family, were a final, poignant reminder of her love. Ashley took these pieces—the mountain, the shaka, the desire to be a light, and the powerful message—and wove them into a logo. A symbol not just of a life lived, but of a legacy that continues to shine brightly. A reminder that in a world where it's easy to feel lost, YOU MATTER. Ashley's life-saving art travels in forms of stickers across the globe, summit flags carried by brother AJ to the mountain tops, our garments and on our backs of our shirts, letting everyone know "we have your back".

We invite you to join us in spreading this message of hope and love. Together, we can make a difference. Wear the garments and BE the message!

Contact Cath