The Matthew Perry Foundation has recently been established to honor the late actor’s legacy and continue his commitment to helping others struggling with addiction. The foundation’s mission is to be guided by Perry’s own words and experiences, as well as driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible.
Matthew Perry, best known for his role in the popular sitcom Friends, tragically passed away at the age of 54 on October 28. While the cause of death has not yet been determined by the L.A. coroner’s office, Perry had been open about his decades-long struggles with addictions to alcohol and opioids. In his memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” released last year, he revealed that at the height of his addiction, he was consuming 55 Vicodin pills a day.
Despite his personal battles, Perry had made significant efforts to achieve sobriety. During promotions for his book, he spoke candidly about his recovery journey and mentioned spending millions of dollars in his pursuit of sobriety. He expressed a deep desire to help others who were also grappling with addiction, stating that he wanted “helping others” to be the first thing mentioned when he was remembered.
Marta Kauffman, co-creator of Friends, revealed in an interview on the Today show that she had spoken with Perry just two weeks before his death. She described him as happy, chipper, and in a really good place emotionally. Perry had quit smoking and was committed to his sobriety. He had discovered a sense of purpose in helping other addicts and wanted to use his experiences to make a positive impact.
The establishment of the Matthew Perry Foundation is a testament to Perry’s dedication to giving back and supporting those in need. As a donor-advised fund sponsored and maintained by the National Philanthropic Trust, the foundation will strive to carry out Perry’s vision of helping individuals struggling with addiction. By leveraging his own experiences and knowledge, the foundation aims to provide resources and assistance to those in need.
The foundation’s work will align with Perry’s belief that addiction is a powerful force that cannot be overcome alone. It requires collective effort and support. Through the foundation, Perry’s legacy will live on as he continues to make a difference in the lives of others.
The establishment of the Matthew Perry Foundation is a meaningful step toward addressing the ongoing struggle of addiction. It serves as a reminder of the importance of destigmatizing addiction and providing necessary resources and support to those affected. By continuing Perry’s commitment to helping others, the foundation has the potential to make a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities grappling with addiction.
In conclusion, the Matthew Perry Foundation has been created to honor the actor’s legacy and carry on his passion for helping individuals struggling with addiction. Perry’s own struggles and experiences with addiction have inspired him to dedicate his life to improving the lives of others. Through the foundation, his vision of making a positive impact will continue to be realized. With its establishment, the foundation aims to provide resources, support, and assistance to those in need, all while keeping alive Perry’s dedication to helping others.
