About Caryn
Caryn Irene Burgh was born on January 26, 1988 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was only 32 years old when she lost her battle with addiction on August 3, 2020. Caryn loved life beyond measure and looked at the world around her with wonder, excitement, and purpose. Her presence was healing and full of wanderlust, challenging others to think beyond the limitations of the world around us.
In December 2018, the very first version of the “Say Yes to Life” game was designed and developed as a handmade card game Christmas gift to Caryn. In the days leading up to that moment, Caryn expressed the reason that she struggled with addiction was due to a lack of excitement in life, the need for that “original high” feeling every day. The excitement of never knowing what challenges may be up ahead or what new visions or feelings may arise kept that carousel in motion for far too long. It was difficult to break free from that chase.
As the holiday season was fast approaching, the need for a unique and thoughtful gift to spark joy for Caryn became the primary focus. In thinking of how different and variant the experiences were from every high, the goal was to create something that Caryn could turn her attention towards and artificially create that serotonin rush without imminent mortal danger. Thus, the idea for a year-long daily drawing game was born.
After working on it day and night for the span of a weekend, the prototype version of Say Yes To Life was finished, printed, and wrapped up with a bow – just for Caryn. Later, it became a gift that was given to close friends and family members. Then, it was shared with others in the greater Pittsburgh region, where it grew to be loved by many.
Now, it’s a personalized card game shared with the world, made with love in her honor. Whenever a new version is created or the original is printed and personalized for someone new, it’s hard not to remember Caryn and her inspiration behind it all. It’s a bittersweet reminder of the life and love she shared with so many.
To learn more about Caryn and her story, please visit the Shatterproof National Memorial and/or consider making a donation to Pittsburgh Recovery Walk, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating recovery and recovery supports, eliminate stigma, and showcase resources in the region. Caryn was a member of the Pittsburgh Recovery Walk Planning Committee and an advocate for improving the way we treat people with addiction.
