Nova Scotia youth are swelling with hope after participating in the inaugural Swany's Challenge.
"I have gained so much motivation to stay healthy and sober. The connections I made on this trip will help me make other healthy connections in the future, and remind me that I am not alone," say participants.
This adventure-based therapy program in memory of Jonathan 'Swany' Cosman provided intensive therapy and peer support for young adults living with mental illness and addiction. These young men were given the opportunity of a lifetime— a multi-day therapeutic retreat exploring Nova Scotia's stunning La Have Islands, in the midst of a pandemic.
"Being on the water, on the ocean is very humbling and invites honesty," says Scott McCormack, Swany's Challenge Facilitator and Cousin to Jon. "I was so impressed with the courage, honesty and humility of the participants. The intrinsic healing qualities of the ocean coupled with the meaningful interactions from the group set the stage for a path of hope and recovery. 'Jon was a generous soul with a huge heart who would want those who are struggling to take each day as a new day of hope in recovery.' As a group we accomplished this. I feel like Jon was right there with us on that trip, and will be for many more to come."
Jonathan David Cosman 1993-2019
On January 28, 2021, Jonathan David Cosman would have turned 28 years old. Tragically, his life was cut short due to an ongoing battle with mental illness and addiction.
You can help change this outcome for other young adults by donating to Swany's Challenge.
Help Jon's family honour his memory and create a legacy of adventure by supporting the treatment and recovery of young Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction.
No muss, no fuss. Make a gift to Swany's Challenge today.