Aidan Sweet was a beautiful, intelligent, perceptive, compassionate young man. He was just seventeen when he died shortly after taking a sleep aid, not knowing it contained a lethal dose of fentanyl, a potent, odorless, flavorless opioid.

His mother, Margaret, founded ASIF in 2020 and joined with other parents striving to protect families from the devastation of fentanyl-laced, counterfeit prescriptions and medications. Her activism evolved into a broader imperative to support those who help rebuild young lives disrupted by substance use disorder. 

Margaret’s fiercest wish is that Aidan still shared the world with her, but her next wish is that no one else will suffer as she and Aidan, and all those who love them, have.

The Zulu people of South Africa have a remarkable word for which there is no equivalent in English.

Isintu refers to the special interactions among people which make each person in the exchange feel more connected, more fulfilled, and more whole. Its meaning is often translated as:  I am, because we are.

We believe that isintu is manifest in the compassion and strength we are all capable of giving one another, and that it is the way to transform lives and communities.

MARGARET SWEET
President / Director

KAY LEKOMA
Vice President / Director

MUNYA CHASI
Director

KATIE PLACE
Secretary / Treasurer

We joined dozens of other non-profits at the Overture Center’s International Festival in March.

The annual festival is a free, all-day event that invites the community to explore the many cultures that call Madison home, and thousands of people attend.

It was a wonderful day to celebrate culture, community and connection, and to showcase beautiful, handmade African imports. We thank everyone who stopped by the booth to share stories, express support, or just say “hi”. What a pleasure and honor to know that so many people in Madison are passionate about and invested in our cause.

Stay tuned and be on the lookout for the isintu team at other local fairs and festivals throughout the year!