SAUGUS

Anti-drug motivational speakers Rajesh Durbal and Matt Gamen delivered powerful messages for middle school students at a gathering at the Saugus Elks Club on May 23, an inspiration event sponsored by Saugus We Care.

Durbal, 36, was born with a misshapen arm and without legs, but has overcome the physical adversity to become an Ironman Triathlon athlete.
 

As a competitor Durbal uses artificial legs during the Ironman competition, which has earned him the nickname "The Real Bionic Man."

Durbal related the pursuit of his dreams despite feelings earlier in life that led him to attempt suicide to decisions people must make about drugs.
 

"People find placeholders to take themselves out of what theyre facing," he said. "I never knew who I was; I hid myself away. Going out in shorts was anxious. Plenty of dreams failed me; I had to let them go and a whole new dream opened up. I knew if I focused on my dream and my power was greater than what was going on around me, I could accomplish my goal. Everyone has an excuse for why we cant rise higher than where we are, but we all have the strength to do things no one else can comprehend. You have tremendous power inside you that you dont know you have. Learn how to win the battle through your heart and mind. Make a plan; design your life around what you want to do. Inspiration without action is delusional. Have good role models. I have to make good choices and keep good people around me."

Constructively, Durbal views being broken or hitting rock bottom as a step in a rebuilding process.

"Hitting rock bottom perfects you," he said. "Its like planting season; something brand new can happen. The lows are what make you stronger and overcome things. When you hit rock bottom, thats how you become strong, forgive people and know who you are."

Durbal found much of his strength through religion. He recalled back in 2006 wanted to give "the church thing" a try.

At the forum Durbal was joined by poet and recovering addict Matt Gamen, who focused more directly on drug use and recovery.

Gamen’s poems have been published in a book, "Shadow of an Addict," and he told the youths in attendance about the sway drugs held over him when he used.

"I never pictured being a heroin addict," Gamen said. "I bounced around from school to school and wanted to fit in. The easiest way was to use drugs. I had a nice little high school baseball career but didnt play my senior year because of drugs. I was homeless at 21. Peer pressure is strong but have the courage to walk away. If you block the trend, my son wont have to deal with it."

Parents in attendance were as engaged as their children. Bob Catinazzo said the anti-drug messages he and other parents relay to their children "dont translate because were parents. When kids hear it from someone like Raj, it sends a positive message."

Catinazzo’s 13-year-old son, Cam, agreed with the effectiveness of the speakers at the forum.

"If someone you know tells it, it feels like you know the story," Cam said. "If someone else does, its more inspirational."

Saugus We Care President Alison Riley said the two men were "amazing." The organization, which formed to help combat the spread of drug abuse in the community, is planning an event for fifth-graders at the Elks Club in July.

"Every so often we like to put on events," Riley said. "Were fortunate to have the support of organizations like the Elks."

Elks Exalted Ruler Patricia Bucy said programs for pre-teens would "start making younger kids aware of drugs before they get to them."

Last year, Saugus We Care hosted an event at Town Hall at which author Marc Gonsalves spoke about being held in captivity by drug dealers in Columbia and how American drug use helps finance drug cartels. Much like Durbal, he related his own feelings of despair to those of drug addicts and his survival to the recovery that can occur.

Saugus We Care also distributed anti-drug material outside the annual Halloween haunted house put on by the MEG Foundation.

The above story is based on materials by Wicked Local Saugus. 
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