One pill. One community. One mission.

On March 22, golfers will gather at Hilton Head Lakes for the Spirit of Sebastian Golf Tournament. There will be scorecards, friendly competition and a classic Lowcountry spring afternoon. But beneath the surface, the event carries a deeper purpose.

It’s not just a fundraiser. It’s a lifeline.

Spirit of Sebastian was founded in memory of Sebastian “Flacko” Zimbron, who died from a fentanyl overdose at age 21 in March 2023. His father, Javier Zimbron, now leads the nonprofit with one clear focus: prevention, recovery support and community awareness.

“It takes a lot of time, effort and yes, money,” Javier says. “We can’t rely just on grant money.”

While local organizations such as Berkeley Hall, Belfair, Colleton River, Moss Creek and others have supported the mission, fundraising events like the March 22 tournament are essential.

“The money comes from the community,” Javier says. “So we focus on the community.”

In less than three years, Spirit of Sebastian has helped place approximately 65 individuals into rehabilitation programs, most between the ages of 18 and 30. At the time of this interview, six people were actively in treatment across South Carolina.
One major lesson learned: short-term rehabilitation is not enough.

“We saw that the 30- and 40-day programs do not work,” Javier says. “That gives you just enough time to defog. Not enough time to deal.”

The foundation now funds 90-day recovery-focused programs for low-income individuals who cannot afford private treatment, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But Javier’s work is also deeply personal.

Sebastian was, as his father describes him, “a standard kid.” He was an altar boy for seven years, played competitive soccer, attended Catholic school and graduated from May River High School. The night before he died, he had dinner with his father and talked about recovery. He attended his 7 p.m. meeting. He saw his counselor that morning.

“A normal day,” Javier says.

bought one pill.

“That one more time took his life.”

According to Javier, hospital doses of fentanyl are measured in nanograms. A typical medical dose is around three nanograms. Sebastian had 11 nanograms in his bloodstream.

“That pill could have killed three people,” Javier says.

The foundation now focuses heavily on prevention, working to bring nationally known speaker Tony Hoffman to Beaufort County high schools. The goal is to reach students before experimentation turns into addiction.

“We don’t want to just keep sending people to rehab,” Javier says. “We want to bring the message.”

He emphasizes that today’s drug landscape is far more dangerous than it was decades ago. Fentanyl is frequently mixed into counterfeit pills and other substances, often invisibly and unpredictably.

“The stigma has to stop,” he says. “A lot of people prefer to look the other way. God forbid it’s their kid. Until it is.”

On March 22, each swing at Hilton Head Lakes represents more than a game. It represents funding for treatment, education and awareness. It represents second chances.

“If we can help one life today,” Javier says, “we accomplished our goal for the day.”

For more information about the Spirit of Sebastian Golf Tournament or to support the foundation’s mission, visit spiritofsebastian.org.

Tracy Winslow is a Spanish professor and small business owner of the premier yarn store in the Low Country - Shrimp and Knits.