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helps alumni stay connected with each other after treatment. If you
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S.T.A.R. 2307/28/2010
Here is a list of alumni attending the Alumni Retreat, July 30th August 1st, 2010, who have given permission to have their information placed on the Message Board.
Vicki P. Bozeman, MT January 2010
Amer A. Carrollton, TX September 2009
Scott M. Victoria, TX April 2009
Amy C. Baltimore, MD August 2008
Matthew P. Dallas, TX October 2008
Kari B. Stoughton, WI December 2008
Don G. Oro Valley, AZ September 2009
Julia F. New York, NY March 2010
Elizabeth S. Atlanta, GA July 2008
Tim S. Wyckoff, NJ April 2010
Lana E. Kansas City, MO April 2002
Tim M. Louisburg, KS September 1999
Patty R. Baldwinsville, NY January 2002
Mary Ann B. Corrales, NM July 2007
Andrea S. Tucson, AZ January 1990
Jeff B. Deerfield, IL March 2007
Justin D. Dallas, TX August 2008
Rae T. Corpus Christi, TX March 2006
Julia F. Houston, TX May 2010
Pamela C. Scotts Valley, CA March 2009
Alec D. Falmouth, ME May 2009
Eva Maria W. St Helena Island, SC February 2004
Herberta G. Franklin, TN February 2007
Sr. Therese M. Fort Smith, AR March 2009
Ann J. Cape Elizabeth, ME September 2005
Jessica W. Denver, CO June 2001
Ellen R. Indianapolis, IN December 1999
Nancy S. Boulder, CO September 1985
Jeff C. Birmingham, AL February 2007
Denise S. Novato, CA September 2002
Sunny Michelle S. Austin, TX October 2005
Kristin M. Jacksonville Beach, FL January 2010
Dajon D. Sahuarita, AZ. June 2004
William Y. Ranchos de Taos, NM - November 1992
Jacob M. Mercer Island, WA May 2009
Thomas M. Sherwood, OR December 1993
Ken G. Miami, FL July 2009
Linda M. Durango, CO August 2009
Jo Ann W. New York, NY May 2009
Dennis L. Rolling Hills Estates, CA August 1995
Tiffany M. Sebastopol, CA November 2004
Tricia E. Jonestown, TX November 2004
Allison S. The Woodlands, TX May 2008
Mia W. Oro Valley, AZ August 2005
David W. Mesa, AZ January 2010
Louis O. Paola, KS December 1989
Liz P. Dallas, TX October 2003
Tera B. Tucson, AZ August 2005
Mandi R. The Woodlands, TX May 2008
Amy L. Cincinnati, OH November 2008
Erika F. Naperville, IL May 2005
Debi B. Gilbert, AZ August 2008
Dawn Z. Encinitas, CA October 2002
Chrisi H. Carlsbad, AZ October 1996
Mary W. West Chester, PA February 2008
Michael S. San Rafael, CA May 2005
Karen E. Santa Rosa, CA January 2009
Celeste B. McClellanville, SC July 2006
Beth C. New York City, NY May 2009
Laura W. Baton Rouge, LA June 2010
Adam C. Oakland, CA August 2008
Anna N. Malibu, CA November 2007
Nancy M. Sayville, NY November 2008
Jim K. Scottsdale, AZ November 2007
Stephanie L. Scottsdale, AZ November 2009
Jaylene D. Scottsdale, AZ November 2008
MARIE07/24/2010
June 1989
I arrived at Sierra Tucson a year and a half sober but in bad shape. I knew that I needed the specialized help there. I was not a "sometimes quickly" but a "sometimes slowly". Levi Neil and Bill O' Donnell's talks helped me immensely as did my Counselor for 4 & 5. I was full of fear all the time.
I consider myslf very fortunate to have received the more focused and gentle help there. The treatment of alcoholics can be brutal. When listed in publications as "the best" it was for an intelligent and humane approach. 22 years.
janet s07/24/2010
Amazing the retreat is less than a week a way. Even more amazing this is the 6th one I am honored to attend still sober. Sierra Tucson changed my outlook and life and for that I am forever grateful. The retreat renews and refreshes my outlook, my commitment and my peace. It carries me through the year knowing I get to go back and focus on what's important. Thank you Patty and Tim and all of Sierra Tucson for making this available and affordable. It is an amazing weekend. I am so looking forward to connecting with everyone and the desert!Peace and Love to all!
Tom M07/23/2010
Nancy S, See ya Friday. Saw Mark last week- some new stuff. Can't wait to get back to that magic place in the hills!
Nancy S07/19/2010
Hello My Sierra Tucson Alumni,
Dearest Thomas M. - can't wait to see you in a week -- Jodi I will miss you terribly!!!
For the alumni who are attending the Retreat for the first time - you will see old friends and meet LOTS of new. I've been coming for 15 yrs. and I always look forward to expanding my New Family that ST gave me. I cannot put into words, without crying, the strength, courage and hope that ST provided me. Tim and Patty - cannot wait to hug you next Thursday!!!!!
Barry L07/12/2010
Hi, I just want to say thank you to Sierra Tucson, the staff and the patients. I was privileged to be able to speak to the patients this past Saturday, July 10, as an alumni. I was privileged to be able to share my experience, strength and hope with those who may have related to my story. I appreciate being invited to speak, as I had only hoped to be able to visit the campus again, since I was in the neighborhood, that is in Arizona, from Alaska where I live. So, I was blessed again to be able to "feel" the place and the inherent serenity it brings me, and also to meet those who hopefully will find as wonderful a recovery as I have.
Ellen R.07/11/2010
To Karol S.,
I was at ST in May/June 1998. I was part of the ED program. Not sure if you remember me, but I was the youngest patient at the time. I returned for a second stay in November/December 1999. ST is my healing place. I've come back for all but 2 reunions- and one of those times I was still in residential care.
Ben H.07/10/2010
Hey Larry C. I saw your post and wanted to let you know that I remember Fritz. I was at ST in Jan/Feb 1988. Any of my cohorts still alive?
Patti P07/05/2010
Hi April,
Pretty sure I'm your old roomate from ST -- January of 2000. I'm still in Denver -- have my struggles, but have a lot to be grateful for; could be a lot worse. Hope things have gotten a little better for you???
Patti P
Lee06/25/2010
I will miss you all this summer love to all
Candace H.06/16/2010
Hi. I was at ST 4/96. I would be happy to speak with anyone who was here, then. I am a friend of Bill W. and JW. Melody Beattie, Rochelle Clark, Ernest Holmes are still some of my best buds.
Does anybody remember Bob Earl? I go to Unity of Bremerton, now. I have 20 months, had to go to Schick Schadel after my dad died.
I have 4 months nicotine free now. I am so clean its disgusting! Love, Candy. PS, CUSoon! I particularly
remember Steve.
Candace H06/16/2010
Hello everyone. I came to ST 4/8/96. The experience changed my life. I am alive and well in Bremerton, WA. It has been a process for me. I didn't give up all my addictions at once. I regret that. My mother celebrates two years clean and sober this year. I haven't seen my brother for seven years. I am divorced and remarried, my new name is Candace Carroll-Thomas. I am a minister in the ULC working with addicts and alcoholics. I celebrate many birthdays, 1/21/81, alcohol and domestic violence, 4/8/96 sex, food, drugs and codependency. I relapsed. I was reborn 5/23/07. I celebrate a new birthday, 10/10/08. So many birthdays, so little time.
Hope to see you this July.
Julia F06/15/2010
I owe my life to ST, I thank my higher
power everyday that I found myself again
at ST.
Katherine S.06/04/2010
Hello. I was at Sierra Tucson while it was still an old ranch with only 68 patients. That was in June of 1988. I have been sober now 22 years this coming June 27th. I am grateful to Sierra Tucson and the people that were there at the time for all they did for me. I still read from my BB that was signed by fellow patients.
If anyone was there between th end of June and into July 1988 please leave a message on this board for Kate S. I went by Kathy C. at the time of my stay. Since then I was married but unfortunately my husband passed away.
Looking forward to reconnecting with others and seeing what became of their lives. I know mine has had its up and downs but I am forever changed since I was at Sierra Tuscon.
Kate S.
Leila K.05/31/2010
I was not able to attend the May 3rd
meeting at the Woodlands. I have lived
in the surrounding area for 9 years and
then had to move away by April 23rd, I
was so looking forward to attending.
Patti, sorry I missed meeting you !
Shelly C05/25/2010
Sierra Tucson,
Thank you so much for the help in my issues I had in my life. Before I came to ST I did not no where to turn. I met so may wonderful friends at ST. The Staff is WONDERFUL!!! I miss them all. I am in the healing process of my recovery and I have thanked my Higher Power for allowing me to be part of the Sierra Tucson family. What a GREAT feeling a person will have after they leave Sierra Tucson. I am looking forward to the Sierra Tucson Alumni Convention. For those that are in Sierra Tucson "Miracles Do Happen"
My favorite saying at Sierra Tucson was "Life Is Good"
Take Care
Shelly C
Dale F.05/14/2010
Hello to Regina,
I just want to let you know that I am so proud of you to be doing the hard work that I know you must put in at ST.
I think of you often and pray that you are doing well.
You are a beautiful person that deserves to find peace. I know you will. Just Breathe! I was just told that I can send cards so I will get some words of encouragement out in the mail.
Big Hugs.
Dale
Patty Reyna04/23/2010
Also to Leila K.
As Mandi mentions I will be at The Woodlands for the May 3rd meeting and as it happens I was in treatment at ST in Jan 02. I too hope you can join us for the meeting it would be great to reconnect!!
Blessings,
Patty
mother04/22/2010
I wanted to let those of you that where friends of my sweet Sarah C..during her stay Nov 08 to Jan 09. Sarah passed away May 2009. thank you for being her friends..she is and was a wonderful human being..sadly so very troubled..again thank you to those who made her laugh for a while.
Mandi M04/20/2010
I am responding to Leila K. My name is Mandi and I have a support group in The Woodlands. We meet the first Monday of each month at 7pm. Patty Reyna will be at our next meeting ~ I'm so excited!! I hope you can join us. The info for our group and my info is on this link ~ http://www.sierratucson.com/alumni_aftrcaregrps.php#Houston
Let me know if you have any questions. I am thinking about going to the reunion. I just need to talk it over with my husband.
Leila K.04/19/2010
Would like to hear from anyone in the Houston area who attends the meetings out in the Woodlands.
Would also like to hear from anyone attending ST back in Jan. 2002.
Life still continues with its up and downs, twists and turns. I try very hard to continue dancing as if no is watching. Like some of you some days are better than others.
Peace, comfort, wisdom and guidance to you all.
Leila.
Karla M aka Karla P04/01/2010
Hello,
I went to ST in the Wonderful
month of Feb. of '97. I've
scanned and read some the
posting on the board and
didn't know anyone. I was in
ST for ED myself, I have
gained weight after having my
three sons and it bothers me
really bad fallen into the old
pattern, bounce back to do a
yoyo episode so to speak.
I've been recently diagnose
again with anxiety, OCD,
depression, and a slight
eating problem. I sometimes
find myself falling back to a
place I don't want to be, but
there are days I just want to
dive head first and worry
later about consequences.
Only thing stopping me is my
little boys. You see if I
leave them they have no-one
there for them so to speak.
Each One have a certain level
of Autism. One thing I will
always blame myself for.
Anyways, I was hoping that
anyone that was there that
remembers me could email I
could use a friend to talk to
sometimes. I also would like
to thank ST for helping me
find my way, and helping me
hear that small voice saying,
"you are a beautiful person no
matter what and you are worth
every waking moment, every
breath you take."
Marnie M.03/31/2010
It has been nearly twenty years since I was admitted to ST. I just recently received my third degree and belong to two honor societies--one in English and the other Nursing. Currently, I work as a hospice nurse and just submitted a proposal regarding aromatherapy and the dying patient. Never in a million years would I have ever thought I could amount to anything but a "worthless drunk". I will no longer live up to titles assigned to me by people who need to destroy others in order to make themselves look better. I am a special person. ST taught me that. I am forever grateful to John Gebeke, my counsler, and to ST for assisting me to come into my own. I like myself!
Karol S.03/19/2010
Looking for anyone who was there May-June 1998. Going to ST is the best thing I have ever done.
Mendy H02/13/2010
I received my miracle at ST in Feb-Mar 2001. I was a skinny little girl from Alabama with a pony tail and baseball cap. I would love to reconnect to those who were there. This is my first time to revisit this web site in many years. I am also curious to find a copy of the prayer we used to say at sunrise/sunset.
God Bless and 13 thank yous.
Mendy
Linda C.02/07/2010
Hi. Here I am posting again. Was at ST Jan/Feb 2007. I'm on an overseas work assignment for 4 weeks (Africa) and am struggling a little bit with memories, anxiety. Recent flashbacks that I haven't had in a while. Words of wisdom for someone far from friends. The world seems too silent when the ghosts are loud and help is far away. Thanks all...
Frank R.01/19/2010
I was at Sierra Tucson from November 1st to December 1st 2005 and would love to hear from those of you who were there during that time if for no reason other than to share what it felt like then and how it feels now. I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best decisions I ever made. At the time I was so mentally and physically exhausted from years of substance abuse and was in the process of losing everything I hold dear in my life. During those 30 days I was inspired and comforted by all my fellow patients who were, like me, looking at themselves in the mirror more honestly than perhaps ever before. Many of you like myself cried a lot and I was very happy to be in a place I could do that and not be embarassed and be in such a loving supportive environment. To be sure, today life still has all the same challenges that existed before ST which can at times be quite difficult to face and it is just those times I remind myself of the importance of what I refer to as protecting myself from myself and rembering all the pain and suffering I felt prior to ST and how important it is to stay vigilant mentally. At present I lead the New York City Sierra Tucson Alumni Support Group which I have been doing for two years and it serves as an ever present reminder of taking life one day at a time and being gentle with myself and others. We meet once and sometimes twice a month with some of us having been discharged 15 years ago and some days ago. The message I hope to send with the NYC group is that we unconditionally support one another as it is exceedingly rare that any of us are going to resume our lives without multiple setbacks. I see the whole idea as a safe place where we encourage one another when we are struggling and need support most. No one knoows that better than those of us who spent a month or more out in that beautiful desert. I can be contacted at FLRST@OPTONLINE.NET
anonymous01/02/2010
Hello All!! Tough time of the year! I was at ST from Jan 5-Feb 6 2005 - any takers. I made a few really good friends and would like to see how you are all doing! Hope all is well for the new year...
Linda C12/28/2009
Hello. I was at Sierra Tucson Jan/Feb 2007, in the trauma program. I still struggle so much, but the time at ST did change my life. New friends and a more positive outlook; tools to use when the world comes crashing down; a better understanding of what happened and how to deal with it every day. Thank you ST...staff and colleagues alike. Wish I could come back for a refresher. I look to the new year with hope...
April E12/06/2009
Sarah T.
I am not in cleveland, but i am also from ohio (about 30 minutes west of columbus), and if you needed someone to talk to you can feel free to email me at april43140@yahoo.com.
I too was at ST in the ED program.
Patricia B11/27/2009
Today I would like to say thank you to ST, a family member and spirit for introducing me to a life that I would not otherwise have today. 06/1992 changed my life when I had the opportunity to be at ST for Family Week. From then on everything changed in my life; family, friends, places and things! I am eternally grateful for having the opportunity to look at what was going on in my life and also have the opportunity to change it; there is a solution!
Thank you ST, a family member and spirit for giving me the opportunity to pass it on and hopefully be of some benefit to others.
Bryn K.11/04/2009
I was at Sierra Tucson August 8 to September 15, 2008 in the ED program. Since then I have been struggling but Sierra Tucson definitely changed my life and I still think about all the wonderful people I met while there. I live in the Orange County, CA area and would love to get in touch with any Sierra Tucson alum.
Sarah T10/30/2009
I was at Sierra Tucson from May 20th to June 1st, 2009 in the ED program. I am struggling and looking for anyone who lives in the Cleveland, OH area that I could talk to.
Lori10/28/2009
I was at Sierra Tucson in 1998 for Trauma in an abusive marriage and he committed suicide in front of me. I was wondering if anyone lives in San Antonio which is where I live now? I would like to find a good therapist because I still have some residual feelings on anxiety and fear.
Thanks so much...I felt better just reading some of the emails on this sight. Dance like no one is watching...I remember that and the stars that were in the millions...I had never seen so many.
Thanks...and love yourself...Expect a miracle and you are a miracle.
Lori
Rae T.10/27/2009
It is with sadness and a heavy heart to report the death of my dear friend and fellow Sierra Tucson Alumni Martha D. of Atlanta, GA. Martha attended ST Feb-April 2006. Please keep her 3 children, and 5 grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers.
Blessings in Sobriety,
Rae T
March 2006
April E. (was April W.)10/15/2009
Hey everyone,
Still trying to connect with the people I spent my time at ST with in Dec. 1999-Jan. 2000. I'm not doing so hot on the ED front and just wanted to get in touch with some people who have been through the same thing. I'm on facebook as April Earles and my email is april43140@yahoo.com .
thanx-
April
Bradley B10/15/2009
The gift has been given! Your feathers fluff and you fly. Heart in body, feet on ground, a cool wind at your face. Landing in a clean and sober life. Thank you all for loving yourself enough to live in the real world. With all of you, I will never have to walk alone!
Janna D10/14/2009
Attended Sierra Tucson Aug.2005 for alcohol addiction...sober ever since.
Mali's writing really moved me. I could feel myself back on that land that I will always love. I would walk the path out there alone and feel the Indian spirit there. Thank you, Mali, for sharing and bringing back to me that special memory...
Mali W. 09/28/2009
I attended Sierra Tucson from
4/20/01-5/16/01 for alcohol
addiction. I was 19 when I entered
and now at 27, I am eight years sober
and am about to graduate with honors
from a New Jersey college with a
degree in English/Creative Writing. I
recently wrote the following short
excerpt for my creative non-fiction
class, and would like to share it. Bear
with me, its a bit long. But as we all
know, anything worth doing- takes
time and hard work! Enjoy!!
There is magic in the mountains of
Arizona. Not the type of magic that
pulls doves forth from black hats, but
the type of magic that turns brown dirt
rocks into radiant reds, and evening
skies from brilliant blues to a swirl of
soft sherbet pinks and purples, and
eventually into a blackness so vast,
youd lose sight of yourself if not for
the light of the moon and the stars. It
was in those mountains that she had
gone to die, but instead, was magically
restored.
The irony was not lost on her that
she had been sent to the middle of the
desert to dry out. Here, amongst
cactus that stood upright, with spiny
arms raised, like they were either
warding off unwanted visitors, or
warning those who were inside to stay,
she knew she was being granted one
last pardon. And so, like a diligent
pupil, she recited the words they
wanted to hear, alcoholic, shame,
depressed all the while knowing
inside, their was too much damage,
she couldnt be fixed, nor was she
worth it.
But each day, as the sun would
set, shed join the others in a Native
American prayer to the four directions,
giving thanks to Mother Earth and
Father Sky. Despite how ridiculous
she initially felt at participating in this
odd ritual, she would eventually come
to find comfort in the prayer. Needing
something to believe in, she turned to
the beauty that surrounded her.
And that is how one night, nearly
three weeks in to treatment, she found
herself laying on the hard stones that
made up the outside seating area. As
the cicadas sang their nightly lullabies,
she tried to breathe like they had
taught them- deep, through your
nose, into the core, let your breathe
flow through your chest, down your
spine, and touch your toes, let it rise
back up, and then, exhale. In and out,
she breathed. Let go, let go, let go.
She repeated her own mantra, offering
it up to whoever would hear it.
When it rains in Arizona, you
smell it first. This is something she
learned as a child, spending summers
knowing the minute you smell rain,
you get out of the wash. Some say its
the spores of dead plants, others say
its the leaves of the Creosote bush,
she knew, it was part of the magic.
When she breathed in that next
breathe, she felt the rain, down to her
toes, before it even started falling.
And so she waited, as the final star
vanished behind the veil of the clouds,
and the warm water fell on her face,
she let it wash her away.
karen09/11/2009
9/11/09
Dan P.
This is a day of remembering those that lost their lives and a day for you to continue to build yours! I am so happy that you are in such a special and powerful place. My heart and all my support are with you.
I love you.
tony s08/22/2009
While at st in jan.03 for the second time
the first being the previous year I was
really afraid I would never get it. Thank
you all. I find myself, during those
restless nights, remembering those I
shared time with and of equal import
shared honest feelings with as well.
David thank you as I also extend a thank
you to the entire staff.You all are special
Alec D 08/19/2009
wow, how cool to find this board. only
wish more knew about + used it. April
14-May 13 2009 were the best 30 days
of my life , thx in large part to Wayne,
Eric + Stone, and so many fab "co-
campers". i actually really miss the place.
Good news is am 4 months+ sober,
haven't had a drink since day before
checking in. its way better sober for sure.
25 years high, now months sober. would
have been nice to figure it out sooner,
but i don't live with regret.
would love to hear from my fellow
"campers", or any alum who'd like to
check in. I live in Portland Maine, and am
in NYC regularly having grown up there +
dad still lives on 78th + lex, also sober.
my email is alec@deadriver.com
namaste, alec d in maine
Sierra Tucson hosts many events for our alumni and behavioral health professionals.
