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Former Dauphin County family starts ADHD nonprofit in honor of son | Health Smart

After losing their son, a former Dauphin County couple formed a nonprofit aimed at helping kids with ADHD.

YORK, Pa. — Research shows 6.4 million kids have Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, or ADHD. 

The challenges they face put them at a 30% higher risk of dying by suicide

One former Dauphin County family turned their personal tragedy into a mission to help others.  

"We miss Anthony every day," said Tony Bellezza. 

On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, Tony and Cassi Bellezza lost their son Anthony to suicide.  

"There is such a misnomer about suicide being about depression and being alone and all of that, and that wasn't Anthony at all," his mom, Cassi, said. "He was happy. He was confident. He felt better by making other people feel better."

The family believes it was an impulsive act, a common symptom of ADHD. It's something his father recognized often in his son's life, like one time after the pair spent days refurbishing an old car.   

"We just got these beautiful tires and rims on this car, and what does he do? He goes drifting with the new tires and rims on the car," Tony laughed.

Anthony's love for life and kindness towards others helped fuel the Bellezzas to channel their grief into what they hope will be a beacon of light for other families. Using their own money, the pair started the nonprofit Anthony's Way - The Road to Kindness.  

"He never wanted anybody sad, he felt that if he could make a difference in your life and make it better, that's what he was gonna do," said Cassi.  

And that's what his parents plan to do as well, hoping to help as many as 20 families next year navigate the challenges that come with an ADHD diagnosis.

"It was a terribly shocking thing for us. We don't want anybody to relive this, and that's why we're doing what we're doing," said Tony about the new organization.

Through tutoring, life coaching and more, the nonprofit aims to be a first of its kind to help kids with ADHD, while saving lives and bringing hope to others.  

The Bellezza family is in the process of fundraising so they can continue on with their mission. If you're interested in finding out how you can help, click here.  

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