Two years have passed since the untimely death of beloved actor Matthew Perry, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show “Friends.” His sister, Caitlin Morrison, still feels his presence in her daily life, hearing his voice and imagining his reactions to current events. She humorously muses, “Maybe ghosts are real. Who knows? Maybe he’s here saying them. We’ll make some pottery together.”
In the wake of Perry’s tragic passing from an accidental ketamine overdose at the age of 54, Morrison channeled her grief into a noble cause by establishing the Matthew Perry House in their hometown of Ottawa. This nonprofit organization aims to alleviate the social and economic impact of addiction by funding research and offering support to individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders.
Drawing from her background in nonprofit work, Morrison saw the Matthew Perry House as a way to bring purpose to the tragedy of her brother’s death. The organization is currently constructing its first facility in Ottawa with plans to expand to other cities in Canada. The facility will be integrated with a community center, providing a range of services such as healthcare, mental health support, career counseling, financial planning, and family therapy to help individuals rebuild their lives after addiction.
Through her involvement in substance abuse research, Morrison discovered a crucial insight about relapse rates. She notes that while many individuals receive short-term treatment, the brain requires more time to heal fully. This led to the development of the Matthew Perry House model, where individuals are not rushed through the recovery process but instead receive comprehensive support for an average of three years.
The organization’s approach complements the work of the Matthew Perry Foundation in the U.S., spearheaded by Perry’s publicist, Lisa Kasteller. While the foundation focuses on long-term initiatives, the Matthew Perry House aims to provide immediate assistance and reshape the landscape of addiction treatment.
As Morrison reflects on approaching the anniversary of Perry’s passing, she acknowledges the mix of emotions that come with such days. She finds solace in allowing herself to grieve openly on these occasions, recognizing them as moments to honor her brother’s memory.
In a heartfelt plea to the entertainment community that embraced Perry throughout his career, Morrison encourages support for the Matthew Perry House. She emphasizes the importance of their work in changing the way addiction treatment is approached and invites Hollywood figures to join in the cause.
Ultimately, Morrison’s dedication to honoring her brother’s legacy through the Matthew Perry House serves as a testament to the enduring impact of his life and the ongoing fight against addiction. As she navigates the complexities of grief and progress, she remains steadfast in her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by substance abuse.
