Kids Independent of Drugs “Creative Control” - Jade’s KIDS Foundation.

In 1997, a handsome, intelligent and talented 23-year-old Vancouver writer and aspiring actor named Jade Bell injected himself with a lethal dose of heroin and cocaine (a speedball). It took paramedics 15 minutes to bring him back to life, but that life was now forever diminished. He awoke after a two-month coma to find himself blind, unable to speak and immobile – with his cognitive faculties fully intact.  He became a prisoner in his own body.  His efforts to come back from such a nightmare to fulfill what he now calls "his dream" are both poignant and inspirational and can easily bring you to tears for all kinds of reasons.

His poetry, love of music and playful sense of humour come alive thanks to his specially designed wheelchair, equipped with a Morse code type headset in which he taps out his words, writes his songs and lectures to kids at schools across B.C. and Canada.  It is a cruel turn of events for most, but one that this remarkable individual still says, "happened for a reason.”  That reason has become a purpose – to do anything in his power to serve as a role model and living example of what can be taken from our youth if they go down the dangerous path of experimentation and abuse of drugs.

Words…hold endless empowerment.  Jade believes it is not only a necessity, but has become critical to teach self expression with creativity in this perilous time, over the tempting and dark routes of instant gratification through experimentation with drugs.  Jade Bell has reached over 200,000 students across Canada, through in-person presentations, speaking about his life altering experience, with his sidekick “Harry Bracket”, a computer-generated voice to assist him in telling his brutally honest story of tragedy and hope.

Jade has found other ways to express himself.  A documentary of his journey called “Harpooned Soul” was produced with the support of loved ones.  He published his first book of poetry, dedicated to his role model and father; after his father’s passing, titled “Strength of the Human Spirit.” He has also written lyrics for 10 collaborative albums and 10 music videos, that he directed and produced.  Jade’s pathways for expression are what he now shares in order to demonstrate to and inspire everyone he meets to reach for greater, more fulfilling ways to navigate the challenges of youth.