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Dear O.G.A.O. Supporters, ![]()
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Did you know that U.S. families are on course to lose more than ![]()
$1 TRILLION of personal wealth to commercialized gambling over the next 5 years? ![]()
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Or that Gambling is recognized as an addiction on the same level as heroin, cocaine and opioids in the American Psychiatric Association DSM V. ![]()
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How about the fact that the Lancet, one of the most respected medical journals in the world, PUBLICLY declared gambling to be "an urgent, neglected, understudied and worsening public health predicament.![]()
Let me re-introduce myself. My name is Ronda Hatefi, I am the founder and President of Oregonians for Gambling Awareness Organization. I am a wife, Mom, Grammy, advocate and more. ![]()
I am also a Board Member of STOP Predatory Gambling Organization. I want to share with you about why I am in these positions. 29 years ago my life changed in a way I never expected. I had to learn about addictive gambling, but I had to do it without one of the most important people in my life. My brother Bobby ended his life by suicide after not being able to get help for this addiction that was advertised as entertainment. His story is a common story among those who struggle with this addiction. He played, he lost, he was devastated. The money lost is only one piece of his story. The self worth, self respect, and self esteem are the bigger pieces. He was a well respected, hard working, family oriented contributor to his community before his life changed due to Oregon Lottery bringing in Video Lottery Terminal’s. ![]()
My story is not as commonly heard. I was Bobby’s little sister, his best friend and he was my biggest protector. We were seen as twins, going through school together from 2nd grade on. When Bobby passed I was Momma to 2 adorable, sweet little babies. A 6 year old girl and a little boy that was 18 months old and my life was centered around my babies. In a single moment, that changed. They were no longer my main focus, my life was now upside down. I struggled to focus on anything, and certainly not their every need. I struggled to take care of myself, eating, showering, drinking water, and couldn’t remember if I had done any of those things for them as well. I do know that I spent a lot of time in bed, my husband, my brother or his wife taking care of my kids. When I was up and moving, my thoughts were centered around why and how this could happen. How did I not see this coming, what did I miss. Telling his story became a passion. I needed people to know what he went through, that he was a good guy and that his family loved and missed him terribly. I was asked to tell his story in many different places, from Seattle to New York, being away from my kids was something I had never done before. ![]()
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For 29 years now I have worked to bring awareness to this issue. I want to make sure people know and understand that it can become an addiction and that there is hope and help available. I believe that it is time for a little shift in my thinking. I want to expand Bobby's legacy into making changes in our world. To do this, I need your help. I need support financially so that we can do this together. With your help we can impact this world by making changes to this industry. ![]()
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These facts fuel my passion to continue this journey. I can't do it alone. I truly need your help and support. If you are looking to give on GIVING TUESDAY please consider giving to Oregonians for Gambling Awareness Organization (OGAO). Every little bit helps. You can donate through our website, www.OGAO.org . I am excited to see what 2025 brings, we want to be ready, and with your help, we will be.![]()
O.G.A.O. - Oregonians for Gambling Awareness![]()
ogao.org![]()
O.G.A.O. - Oregonians for Gambling Awareness![]()
Ronda Hatefi created O.G.A.O. after her brother died by suicide as a way out of gambling addiction. She wants all to know that no problem gambler stands alone and there is hope and help available.
O.G.A.O. - Oregonians for Gambling Awareness
www.ogao.org
Ronda Hatefi created O.G.A.O. after her brother died by suicide as a way out of gambling addiction. She wants all to know that no problem gambler stands alone and there is hope and help available.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Let's start a thread of reasons for living. ![]()
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For my friends with high-school kiddos!Just started high school? The transition can be exciting AND challenging 🎢 Luckily, On To The Next, created with youth in Toronto, can help you know what to expect and how to succeed! ![]()
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Check it out here: mindyourmind.ca/games-tools/personal-growth/next/![]()
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#HighSchool ![]()
#Transition ![]()
#YouthMentalHealth ![]()
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I have a team of you'd like to join me. Take A Break- O.G.A.O.![]()
You got this and you matter