TEEN'S OVERDOSE INSPIRES FAMILY TO HELP OTHERS

Ames Memorial Fund Helps Teens, Their Families Pay For Drug Rehabilitation

ALLAMUCHY TWP. - When Paul Ames died of a drug overdose in 1998, his
parents wanted to do something so his name would live on.

Richard and Mary Ames decided they also wanted to help other teens
entangled in a web of drugs and addiction. They created the Paul R.
Ames Memorial Fund. The fund provides financial assistance for drug
rehabilitation for teens. Over the past four years, the fund has
helped a dozen Warren County teens pay for treatment that can average
$200 a day.

"If we help one kid that's great," Richard Ames said.

Typically treatment can last up to 30 days. The fund provides money
to help offset the cost of rehab that can total more than $6,000,
Ames said. Often drug rehab counselors at Hackettstown Community
Hospital refer families in need of assistance.

"The biggest question is does the person want to get well," Ames said.

If so, they provide money to help, he said. Ames said several of the
teens they've helped are still drug-free today.

Every year Ames organizes a charity golf tournament to raise money
for the fund. He said Paul was an avid golfer and captain of Blair
Academy's golf team during his freshman year. In the past four years,
the annual tournament has raised $45,000 for the fund. Work has
already begun on the next tournament, scheduled for Sept. 16.

"It has an Irish flavor to it," Ames said.

Bagpipers provide entertainment and winners receive Waterford crystal
as prizes, he said. Usually the tournament is a sell out. Ames said
he takes up to 100 golfers that pay $250 each to play.

Ames said he is still working through the loss of his son.

"There isn't a day that goes by probably that I don't think about
him," Ames said.

He said his son was exposed to drugs while a student at Blair Academy
in Blairstown Township. He warned parents not to think of drugs as a
phase their kids will go through.

"They think experimentation is a rite of passage. What they don't
know is, it can kill you," Ames said.

He said he first realized his son had a drug problem when he
discovered Paul was inhaling household chemicals to get high. After
taking him to a hospital to get tested for drugs, he discovered it
was worse - heroin. Ames said Paul only tried the opiate twice.

"The second time it killed him," Ames said.

He said parents should expect to work hard to help their children if
they have a drug problem. He recommends staying close to your
children, have them tested if you suspect they're using drugs and
seek counseling or rehabilitation as soon as possible.

Anyone seeking information about the fund, the tournament or
assistance can contact Ames at 908-850-6000.