Is it me or does it seem like Kate Middleton can do no wrong? She’s down to earth, she has fantastic style, she has reignited that dream most young girls have to marry a prince and become a princess. Yes, there are a lot of things to love about the Duchess of Cambridge – and, lucky for us at New Futures and everyone impacted by addiction, now we have another reason to love her.
On January 4, 2012, it was announced that Kate has chosen to be a patron of an organization in England called Action on Addiction (as well as three other organizations). Action on Addiction’s vision is simple: To free people from addiction. And they do this through prevention; rehabilitation and treatment; support for families and children; research; education; and workforce development.
And this isn’t just some random organization that she picked out of a hat – she did some serious research before choosing. According to Action on Addiction’s news release, “Her Royal Highness recently paid a private visit to one of Action on Addiction’s treatment centres and spoke at length to a number of clients about their addiction and personal journeys to recovery.” I can only imagine the impact that visiting with people in recovery had on Kate. When you hear the stories of people in recovery and when you see the way addiction has the power to ruin lives, it’s hard not to want to do all you can to help these people live happy, hopeful and healthy lives.
I couldn’t be more thrilled about Kate’s patronage to Action on Addiction. She could’ve gone the safe route and picked an organization that doesn’t have such a strong stigma attached to it. But she didn’t, and I love that. People are watching her every move, and this is one move that is sure to get people talking. People are even comparing this decision to Princess Diana’s choice to support the HIV/AIDS cause in the ’80s.
The reason addiction is an invisible disease is because people have their eyes closed. It affects more people than you or I could even imagine. It’s time to open our eyes and see that there are people out there who need help. Thank you, Kate, for helping us open our eyes to this disease.
For more information on Kate Middleton’s patronage of Action on Addiction, click here.
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