When it comes to Addiction…
Swing First!
In Memory of Nicholas Carmen Graham
1994 – 2018
Nicholas Graham lived with heart, humor, and extraordinary talent. A Shawnee High School graduate, a U.S. Army Cavalry Scout, a musician, an artist, an athlete, and a deep thinker — he brought energy, curiosity, and a magnetic smile everywhere he went. His creativity, kindness, and presence continue to inspire everyone who knew him.
Nicholas’s journey reminds us how important it is to support one another, to talk openly, and to reach for help before struggles grow heavy. His legacy is not defined by what he battled, but by the love he gave, the joy he brought, and the bravery he showed throughout his life.
To honor that spirit, we created Swing First Against Addiction — a nonprofit dedicated to offering resources, support, and hope to individuals seeking a path to recovery. Our mission is simple:
Empower people to take the first swing — to reach out early, ask for help, and choose life, strength, and community.
Addiction touches families everywhere, and no one should face it alone. Through guidance, connection to sober living resources, and a message rooted in compassion rather than shame, we carry Nicholas’s giving heart forward by helping others find their way to a healthier future.
Nicholas believed in better days.
We believe in them, too — and we believe in the people who are fighting for them.
Swing First Against Addiction: where there’s life, there’s hope.
Hope starts with one brave step.