The COCOA - ABOUT COCOA

The COCOA Project was created in loving memory of my brother, Mike, with the hope of turning our loss into something meaningful for others.

Mike was so much more than the struggles he faced. He was my brother, someone I grew up with, shared memories with, and loved deeply, even through the hardships we faced during his long battle with addiction. Losing him left a void that can never be filled, but it also gave me a reason to turn that loss into something meaningful.

The name COCOA comes from a special memory when we were kids. At a young age, I couldn’t pronounce “Michael”, so I called him Cocoa. Now, it carries his memory forward through The COCOA Project.

Through The COCOA Project, I hope to honor Mike by helping others find hope, support, opportunity, and a second chance. Whether that means helping someone access treatment, supporting recovery, removing barriers, or simply giving someone the opportunity to believe that their life can change. Though Mike’s life was cut far too short, his story can continue to live on through every person The COCOA Project helps find hope, healing, and a second chance.