MARSHFIELD and BRAINTREE, MA,: The Cook Family Charitable Fund (https://donatecookfamily.org/), a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 whose mission is to improve the lives of those struggling from substance use disorder, cancer and intellectual disabilities by helping to eliminate financial barriers that may impact their journeys, has appointed Peter Thompson of Braintree, MA to serve as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

In this role, Thompson, who is a tireless advocate for families whose lives have been touched by substance use, will work closely with co-founder, Peter A. Cook, Sr. and Executive Director, Trudy Avery, to help expand the organization’s mission.

Thompson, a Braintree businessman and resident, understands all too well the effects of substance use. He and his wife, Heather, lost their son Ryan to the disease ten years ago. As a result of this tragedy, the Thompsons have focused their energies on doing everything they can to help other families. Ryan’s favorite expression that he was “a good kid with a bad disease,” has inspired Peter and Heather’s belief that the fight against drugs needs a compassionate and not a punitive approach.

Over the years, the Thompson Family has been a key sponsor of the Gavin Foundation, the Cook Family Charitable Fund and One Life at a Time.  In partnership with the Cook Family Charitable Fund, the family has established a scholarship fund to honor Ryan, with a focus on families and individuals who are suffering from substance use disorder.

“We’ve worked to help other families and individuals avoid the pain we felt,” Thompson said. “When Peter Cook and I talked about the mission of The Cook Family Charitable Fund, I knew I wanted to participate.”

Peter Cook, co-founder, said, “I’ve known the Thompsons for a number of years. They are an awesome family who always gives back.  The work that Peter and Heather have done to spread awareness and shine a light on substance use has benefited so many. We are honored to have Peter on our Board.”

The Cook Family Charitable Fund was established in 2006 by Peter A. Cook, Sr., and Peter A. Cook, Jr., with a goal of raising funds for families dealing with substance use disorder, cancer and intellectual disabilities. Together with their friends and supporters, the fund has raised more than $1,500,000 for organizations and individuals, including Cape Cod Hospital, Cardinal Cushing Centers, Caron, Gavin House, Jordyn Cook Epilepsy Fund, and Work Inc. One of the Fund’s first initiatives was working with neurologist Elizabeth Thiele of Massachusetts General Hospital and raising $350,000 necessary to fund the site, “Growing Up with Epilepsy.” Recognizing other needs in the community, the scope of the fund has expanded considerably since those early years. Offices are at 737 Webster Street, Marshfield, MA. For additional information please call 781-535-5900 or visit www.donatecookfamily.org.