Our Story
“If you told me that 'Michael will be dead in 7 months', I wouldn’t have believed you...”
Michael was born on August 26, 1993. He was a exuberant and precocious child with a "larger than life" personality, whose infectious smile and energy animated a room. His passion and energy for life extended to everything he did. From surfing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, Greek dancing and teaching himself to play five different musical instruments, he excelled in his pursuits.
Beyond a talented young man, Michael was friendly, loving, and full of light. He had a knack for striking up random conversations with individuals and making everyone feel comfortable in his presence. Perhaps his finest character trait, was his compassion for others. He always went out of his way to check in on friends and family. One exceptional memory we share of him is from a time he saved a strangers life while surfing. Michael had been a beach over surfing when he saw another individual in distress, caught in a rip tide, Michael proceeded to jump off the jetty to rescue this individual. Up until his death, through his own struggle with substance use, he remained compassionate by going out of his way to help others who were also struggling.
Like so many others, Michael grew up to be a hardworking, intelligent young man. Earning straight A's, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from West Chester University and was working towards a Doctorate in Physical Therapy before his disease took ahold of him.
In high school, Michael started using marijuana. Like many others, his marijuana use eventually led to experimentation with stronger drugs in college. The cycle continued, and slowly Michael began his battle with substance use. Most people would never have known that Michael struggled with substance use disorder. Those who did likely never realized the extent of his disease since he hid it so well.
In July 2018, Michael began a rapid decline in his battle with substance use, along with the shame and isolation of the stigma that follows. During this time our family devoted our lives to navigating and researching the complexity and confusion of finding the right treatment. From therapists, group meetings, rehabs, medications and so on, we fought to find a path towards wellness.
On February 7th, 2019 we received a call that no parent or family member wants to receive. Michael was dead. We later found out that he was unknowingly given a substance made completely of synthetic fentanyl.
During the 7 months prior to his passing, Michael completed two in-patient rehab treatments. Neither were longer than 21 days. Professionals told us that individuals suffering from this disease require multiple rehabilitation admissions. Insurance providers will cover longer in-house treatment with each subsequent relapse. Frequently Michael expressed his frustration with the system, advocating for more individualized treatment plans.
However, relapse is not an option with the potency and prevalence of fentanyl-laced substances. Michael remained in recovery for two and a half months before he relapsed one final time. In one fell swoop, fentanyl took Michael and a lifetime of love and joy.
In the wake of Michaels death, we struggled to make sense of everything, and are left with these realities:
22 Million Americans Suffer from a Substance use disorder, yet only 10% receive the treatment they need to live in recovery.
like many other diseases, substance use disorder is treatable, Yet 130+ people die of opioid-related overdoses everyday.
Substance Use Disorder is Surrounded by stigma and shame, WHICH prevents many from seeking treatment.
Michael died of a chronic Brain disease. Substance use changes the chemistry, structure and function of your brain.
Our hearts forever shattered, we decided to honor Michael by establishing The Michael Karayannis Waves to Wellness Foundation in hopes of sparing others the same devastation. The foundation’s goal is to raise awareness about Substance Use Disorders, provide education for prevention and early intervention to families, and support those in and seeking recovery. Our goal is to change the conversation surrounding Substance Use Disorders by breaking the stigma and shame that prevents individuals from seeking treatment. Ensuring that those afflicted with this disease have access to proven treatments and are provided with the tools they need to live a life in recovery.
We are so happy you have found us! Please take a moment to learn more about Our Mission and Our Programs.
