Mark Garwood died May 24, 2014 at the age of 24 due to complications of his Type 1 diabetes and an opiate addiction----a vibrant and energetic life extinguished all too early.

 

In 2009 while attending college in Orlando, Mark was assaulted during a pick-up basketball game. He became addicted to the pain medications prescribed after this assault, and his life began to spiral out of control.

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The Garwood family has witnessed the anxiety, frustration and desperation so many young people endure while battling addiction. They have also witnessed the hope and promise that even the smallest degree of encouragement and support fosters in individuals who are committed to finding their way out of the darkness.  

 

The Mark Garwood Foundation, a public 501(c)(3) corporation serving individuals on the Treasure Coast and in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, was established to honor Mark’s life by providing a way forward for young men and women who are earnestly working toward a sober and productive future.  If we can reach one individual…save one life…ease one person’s struggle back to sobriety, then Mark’s legacy will be well-served.

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In addition to supporting two sober living residences, the Mark Garwood Phoenix House and the Bridge Scholarship House, the Foundation provides scholarships to individuals who are recovering from substance abuse, seeking to begin or continue their education and are committed to long-term sobriety. Since 2015, the Foundation has provided over $435,000 in Phoenix scholarships to 67 individuals in South Florida.

 

100% of the proceeds of Racquets for Recovery will benefit the Mark Garwood Foundation Phoenix Scholarship program.
 

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