“The CHRISCROSS Foundation was formed in the memory of our son and brother, Christopher Richard Lasek. Chris was an excellent student in grade school and later in high school. He was socially active in sports, school, and church activities. Growing up Chris played baseball, basketball, football and other sports but he found his passion in Lacrosse. He was honored to play for four years on his high school team. Upon graduating high school, Chris was most proud to have received a scholarship from a Big Ten college to study engineering. All through his years, Chris never showed any signs of anxiety, depression, or interest in drugs. He was always a fun loving, outgoing and social guy who enjoyed being around family and friends. Unfortunately, his life took a turn for the worse in college when he began using drugs to cope with stress and anxiety. After years of struggles in treatment, attempts to return to school and jobs, it was clear we needed to try something different. Individuals like Chris follow a pathway to recovery through going first to a sober treatment center followed by a return to society with visits to an outpatient facility or other forms of therapy.”
Chris was fortunate enough to have access to a wilderness therapy program setting him on a path to sobriety. Instead of reverting right back to society after months in the wilderness, Chris attended a transitional living program for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health. Chris was able to join other like-minded and similarly situated adults battling at the crossroad of drug abuse and mental health. From what he learned in the wilderness program, along with added support in the sober-living transitional program, Chris returned to being a healthy and high functioning individual. This is when he was at his best in his battle.
Unfortunately, addiction overwhelmed him and he grew tired of battling the mental health issues associated with prolonged drug use. Chris lost his life on September 18, 2019. Chris was a very loving and kind soul that loved life, family and friends. He was always there to help others and we know he would want to help those that struggle with similar challenges. Unfortunately transitional programs like these, are few and far between for individuals leaving therapy programs and seeking to return to a healthy life style. The cost of these types of treatment programs are often not covered by insurance and can be very expensive.
“The CHRISCROSS Foundation will partner with wilderness therapy, transitional living programs and similarly missioned charities dealing with suicide prevention to provide match funding with a reduction in tuition to families who are in need. We would like to thank all of our family and friends who have provided so much love and support of the CHRISCROSS Foundation and we thank you for helping us help others in memory of Christopher Richard Lasek…”
— The Lasek Family
