Face the Tears Project
The goal of this project is to create a visible reminder of the tears that flow as a result of broken promises and tragic losses linked to the toxic effects of alcohol. These effects include but are not limited to: failed marriages, physical and mental abuse, injuries, birth defects (such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome), loss of hopes and dreams, loss of possibilities and DEATH.
Face the Tears is a unique opportunity to share the pain felt by those who have experienced the devastating impact of alcohol use. It is our hope that reading personal accounts along with drug education will encourage others to change their attitude and behaviors as they begin to realize the dangers that alcohol use can bring.
NEWS
The first display of handkerchiefs and stories from the Face the Tears Project was September 2-7, 2008, Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center, Burlington, Vermont.
Below is a photo of the display. Since the display was across the street from the college and it was the first week of classes, we used it to draw attention to the number of college students who will most likely die during this school year.
If history is any indication of the future, it will take 1,717 handkerchiefs to represent the number of college students who will die this school year with alcohol as a contributing factor. That is about 6 1/2 times the number you see in the photo below.
We are still seeking donations of handkerchiefs and stories. The Face the Tears Project is on-going and will be used to represent all types of harm caused by alcohol use.
Do you have a place where you would like to see the Face the Tears Project displayed? Would you like to send a handkerchief(s) and have stories to submit?
Contact: Bunny S. Galladora, Face the Tears Project Cordinator
 
What can I do to help with this project?
Write a two page story of how alcohol has negatively impacted your life. YOUR story could be about a failed marriage, a loss opportunity, a death of a loved one, etc.
Send YOUR story, along with a HANKERCHIEF (to symbolize your tears/hurt) and it would be nice to include a PHOTO of either yourself or the person you are writing about. Be sure to include CONTACT INFORMATION in case we have any questions or would like more information.
Keep in mind that items you send WILL NOT BE RETURNED and will become the property of the Face the Tears Project. Sending items will be giving permission for the items to be used in a display or published in order to draw attention to the negative effects of alcohol use.
If you would like to be more involved in alcohol or other drug education please let us know that also. We have ways you can become more involved.
How did this project get started?
I had the pleasure of meeting a woman by the name of Helen Bair Owen as I was enjoying my dinner during a convention.
Helen shared with me her desire to put together short personal accounts of the damage alcohol has done to family life. As an example of what she had in mind, she gave me a copy of her own story. It is about two pages in length. Please take the time to read Helen's Story on this site.
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