Written by Susan Miller
In 2015, the oldest two of Becky and Mike Savage’s four sons, Nick and Jack, died as a result of prescription drug use at a party. Becky, in an effort to help parents, students and communities address and prevent prescription drug abuse, started the 525 Foundation. As the Savages take this journey to educate others about the opioid crisis and save lives, they take the memory of Nick and Jack with them. The 525 Foundation partners with law enforcement agencies for prescription take-back events and has installed pill drop boxes at local businesses, including Martins Super Markets. Along with other organizations, the 525 Foundation has collected over 14,000 pounds of pills. Becky has spoken all over the country and even testified before Congress about the opioid crisis.
In 2019 the Foundation and Becky herself received several awards. The Foundation was named “Playmaker of the Year” by the Kelly Cares Foundation and was recognized by the Addiction Policy Forum for addressing opioid addictions. Becky was recognized as the 2019 Indiana Mother of the Year by American Mothers Inc., and Indiana University recently awarded her the Bicentennial award. Bethel University is proud to name Becky as the 2020 Bethel University Alumna of the Year.