When Margaret Sweet remembers her son Aidan, she recalls a child whose extraordinary capacity for kindness was evident from his earliest years. By age three, Aidan already showed a remarkable sensitivity to others’ feelings, greeting everyone with warm smiles and heartfelt hugs. “He had this gift,” Margaret shares, “for making people feel seen.”
His authentic warmth and compassion naturally drew people to him. He moved through life leaving quiet ripples of kindness, touching hearts with his gentle spirit and ready smile.
In 2020, Aidan’s bright light was dimmed too soon. He was only 17 when he died shortly after taking a sleep aid, not knowing it contained a lethal dose of fetanyl. Through this profound loss, Margaret discovered a path forward that would honor her son’s spirit of compassion while supporting young people whose lives are disrupted by substance use disorder.
The Aidan Sweet Isintu Foundation, established in Aidan’s memory, embodies a powerful philosophy drawn from African wisdom. Its name comes from the Zulu concept of isintu, which describes those special human connections that make us feel more whole.
Through the foundation’s generous support of 5 Door Recovery, the foundation helps ensure that adults struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges can access comprehensive, compassionate care.
5 Door Recovery is a residential, medically-monitored treatment program for adults with substance use disorder. The program’s goal is to help guests move into recovery while also addressing their mental health and trauma issues. 5 Door uses a holistic approach, rooted in evidence-based practices to help our clients regain their physical, mental and spiritual health.
5 Door Recovery accepts referrals from across the Catholic Charities service area and is unique because it is one of the only programs in the region which accepts Medicaid. 5 Door primarily serves individuals on Medicaid or those who are uninsured.
The work at 5 Door Recovery embodies the same spirit of connection and compassion that Aidan showed throughout his life – creating an environment where every person feels valued and supported on their journey to recovery.
We are deeply grateful to Margaret and the Aidan Sweet Isintu Foundation for partnering with us in this vital work. Their support helps build a stronger, more compassionate community – one where recovery is possible for everyone who seeks it.
To learn more about 5 Door Recovery, visit 5doorrecovery.org.
