About the TENS Foundation
Tram's Story
Trammell Evans — known to everyone as Tram — was the kind of person who made every room better just by walking into it. Charismatic, hilarious, and deeply generous, he had a gift for connecting with people and adding joy to the lives of everyone he knew.
Like millions of Americans, Tram began struggling with alcohol during the isolation of the Covid lockdowns. He fought hard. In the spring of 2021, he got sober — and in true Tram fashion, he didn't just recover, he thrived. He completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, won a poker tournament, and spent months exploring the mountain west, hiking, adventuring, and regularly stopping to feed homeless people along the way. That was Tram. Even in his own journey, he was thinking about others.
In the spring of 2023, Tram relapsed. Struggling with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and its debilitating physical symptoms, he made a decision that reflected both his independence and his desperation. He set out on a solo hike into Joshua Tree National Park, dropped off at the Blackrock entrance in late April with a plan to be picked up on May 5th. We believe Tram walked into that park hoping to come out sober. He never came out at all.
What followed was nine months of gut-wrenching, ambiguous grief — searching for a man who might be lost in the desert, or might be alive somewhere on the streets. Nine months of not knowing. Finally, biologists working in a remote corner of the park discovered Tram's backpack. His remains were found shortly after. Our long search was over.
From Grief to Purpose
Among Tram's possessions was his journal. Inside, we found heartbreaking and fascinating entries — his own raw awareness of his addiction, his pain, and his hopes. One thing he wrote about repeatedly was wanting to help people. And in one entry, he wrote about the North Star — its power as a literal and symbolic guide through darkness.
That journal became our compass.
We founded the Tram Evans North Star Foundation (TENS Foundation) in Tram's memory, with a mission to provide education, support, and community to individuals and families affected by Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. We exist because Tram's death did not have to happen — and we are determined to make sure other families don't have to endure what ours did.
What We've Accomplished
In a short time, the TENS Foundation has already made a real impact:
Education — We launched a pilot awareness program at Deer Isle High School and produced a 15-minute mini-documentary of Tram's story, along with a free video library of 7 educational videos filmed with licensed addiction clinician Ryan Delaney.
Support — We partnered with two high-quality treatment facilities — the Caron Foundation and Liberty Bay Recovery Center — to provide care to uninsured and underinsured individuals at a 33% discount. We have already sponsored treatment for one person in need.
Community — We have hosted four sober, family-friendly events focused on wellness and conservation, including two island clean-ups and the Tram Jam beach biathlon.
We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Will You Help Us?
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome is one of the most dangerous and least understood aspects of addiction. People die from it — alone, afraid, and without access to the medically supervised care that could have saved them. Tram was one of them.
Your support helps us reach the next family before they reach their breaking point. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply share our story — you are helping us be someone's North Star.