Remembering Nick

On February 16, 2019, Nick passed away from a drug overdose.

Nicholas 'Nick' Belloise was the intelligent and compassionate son, friend, older brother, and cousin in a large family with high hopes and aspirations.

His death came as a shock to many because, at first glance, no one could tell Nick had a substance use disorder. He was an excellent hockey player and a bocce enthusiast, leading a seemingly ordinary life.

Unfortunately, Nick struggled with depression and self-medicated to ease his pain.

He had been battling addiction for six years. His family did everything they could to get him the medical help he needed so that he could recover. Despite their efforts, Nick accidentally overdosed alone in his home.

It was a heartbreaking moment for the family members who found him and for those who received the shocking news afterward. After their significant loss, the Belloise family pledged to honor their son's memory annually and provide support to Shatterproof as part of Nick's legacy to assist others struggling with addiction.

Before his passing, Nick helped build a bocce court in his relative's backyard.

The family, knowing Nick’s love for the sport, decided to center the event’s theme around bocce ball.

In June 2019, just 4 months after Nick’s passing, the first Nicholas Belloise Bocce Tournament was held. They have been doing the event yearly since then, each year making the event more memorable and bigger.

This year, we had the privilege of attending the 5th year of this impactful event. I was deeply moved by the strength and unity of this wonderful community.

As I interacted with guests and family, I was inspired by the resilience and unity of Nick’s friends and family. Each participant, whether playing bocce, assisting with logistics, or donating raffle prizes, played a significant role in making the event a success.

Everyone in attendance wore a blue Nick Belloise tee, as a form of unity. There were tables with delicious food, prizes, and an atmosphere of genuine connection.

Everything about the day was a testament to the profound love and impact Nick left behind.

The celebration of Nick’s memory was a reminder of the profound loss that addiction brings to families, but also the strong sense of fellowship and close bonds among them.

The Belloise family's efforts have kept Nick's legacy alive. They have raised over $20,000 for Shatterproof. Their work has helped advance science-based addiction care, influence policy, and support research efforts to end stigma.

Additionally, they have championed addiction education and prevention strategies nationwide, making it easier for individuals to find the help they need to recover and educating youth to recognize harmful substances.

The Belloises, along with their community, gather with the hope that addiction and tragic deaths decrease so that other families do not have to experience losing someone they love to overdose.

Their tireless efforts are ensuring that people across the nation continue to hope for a better tomorrow.

We are deeply grateful for their dedication and support.