The untimely death of John “Mac” Wessels in 2017 prompted his parents to create a positive impact on the Lower Shore community following their tragic loss. The Mac Wessels Memorial Fund was established at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, and those who knew and loved him were able to contribute to the fund to honor his life and legacy.
Marking the first anniversary of his passing, Mac’s parents, Mike and Debbie Wessels, presented a $500 contribution to the Recovery Resource Center to support the Center’s mission which is to support people on their journey of recovery.
“Making a gift to help others in recovery or those struggling with addiction is one more way we can remember Mac for the person he wanted to be,” explained his mother, Debbie Wessels.
Beth Ohlsson, Executive Director of the Recovery Resource Center knows the reality of recovery and the impact addiction has on the individual as well as family and friends.
“Family members can get so lost in the quagmire of addiction and need support to understand the difference between enabling an addiction and encouraging the person's recovery. Recovery is not an event, it is a process, and sometimes that process is successful and sometimes it is tragic.”
“We are grateful to receive this gift from Mike and Debbie in honor of Mac,” Ohlsson states. “Contributions such as this allow us to continue fighting against addiction and supporting people through their recovery journey.”
Because the Mac Wessels Memorial Fund is an endowment fund, the Wessels will be able to make annual contributions in Mac’s name to organizations that provide support for families whose lives have been impacted by drug addiction. To learn more about the Recovery Resource Center visit www.RRCsby.org. Contributions can be made to the Mac Wessels Memorial Fund at www.CFES.org.
Left to Right: Bj Summers, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore; Beth Ohlsson, Recovery Resource Center, Debbie Wessels, Mike Wessels.