My Name Is Mario Adolfo Palma Mendez—some people knew me as “Worst Case.”

I was born in a military hospital in Guatemala in 1980. My family came to Canada in the mid ’80s—my father had survived being sequestered by the government, released weighing barely 90 pounds. That trauma followed us, even as we tried to build something better.

We landed in low-income housing, and I grew up surrounded by struggle. Violence, addiction, and poverty were just part of everyday life. I started drinking and smoking weed at a young age—always chasing numbness. My teens and twenties were full of chaos and selfishness. I hurt a lot of people, got lost in different crowds, different neighborhoods, but South Side was always home.

People started calling me “Worst Case”—because I was unpredictable, reckless, and always one step away from disaster. I wore that name like a badge, not realizing how deep it cut or how far it kept me from the man I wanted to be.

The heartbreak never stopped. Close friends murdered. My uncle passed from an overdose the day before he was supposed to start treatment. My aunt—after ten years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit—was pulled over and murdered, shot 11 times in the head. That changed something in me. It was one of the moments that pushed me to face the truth I was running from.

I fell deep into addiction—crack cocaine owned me for years. Even when my professional life looked successful, behind the scenes I was barely holding on. But I found the strength to fight back. I’ve been clean for over two years now, and I’m doing the work to take my life back—day by day, choice by choice.

A big part of that healing came from a dog. Not just any dog—a bully breed with a heart bigger than most humans I know. That dog saved my life. The loyalty, strength, and misunderstood beauty of the breed taught me more than any rehab or program ever did. Today, I bring those same qualities—resilience, loyalty, heart—into the programs I help create. We don’t just talk recovery. We live it.

I’m not here to pretend I’ve got it all figured out. I’m here because I believe in second chances, in making things right, in helping the next person off the edge. Because if I can make it, maybe they can too.

Roberta is a force of nature, driving the mission of Bullies Against Bullying with her unwavering passion as our Director of Programming. Her journey is one of leadership and dedication, with a formidable background in managing businesses and a deep-seated empathy honed through her work in administration and support roles.

Roberta doesn’t just manage programs; she forges connections and inspires action. As a member of Qualicum First Nation, she brings a unique and valuable perspective to her work. She is dedicated to fostering positive change and empowering individuals, ensuring the organization’s mission is met with integrity and a deep commitment to the community. Roberta isn’t just making a change—she’s creating a legacy.

A true monarch of compassion and cuddles, King Koopa is more than just a spoiled pup—he’s a beacon of comfort to anyone in need. His regal strut and larger-than-life attitude might give him an air of royalty, but beneath it all lies the warmest, kindest heart you’ll ever meet. Sadness has no place in his kingdom; if you’re feeling down, his unwavering presence will melt away your troubles. He’ll stay by your side, loyal and loving, until the clouds lift.

Though King Koopa has his quirks—fearful of nearly everything, from thunderstorms to tumbleweeds—he’s surprisingly brave when it matters most. Whether standing guard against imaginary threats or protecting those he loves, King Koopa teaches us that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to rise above it. With his blend of vulnerability and strength, he proves that even the softest souls can be the mightiest protectors.

But King Koopa’s greatest act of love was saving his human during their darkest moments. When life felt overwhelming, and the weight of struggles seemed too much to bear, King Koopa was there—steadfast and unrelenting in his support. His gentle nudges and watchful eyes reminded his human that they were never alone. Through his unwavering love, he became a lifeline, showing that sometimes the greatest rescues are not dramatic, but quiet and filled with unconditional devotion.

Meet Maverick, the face of Bullies Against Bullying, and the embodiment of resilience, loyalty, and unyielding courage. True to his name, Maverick is a force unto himself—bold, fearless, and always charging ahead where others might hesitate. He’s the proudest of boys, celebrating every victory with triumphant laps after catching a ball, reveling in the sheer joy of the game.

Unlike his brother, King Koopa, who sometimes retreats in caution, Maverick surges forward with unwavering determination. His fearless nature and unwavering spirit make him the perfect symbol for our men’s mentoring association, where we instill the powerful traits of the bully breed—strength, tenacity, and boundless love—into the men we guide.

Like the iconic Top Gun Maverick, he is action-packed, driven, and larger than life. As the second pup, he faced challenges fitting in, but with his undeniable West Coast vibe and infectious energy, he carved out his place, winning hearts and inspiring greatness.

Maverick isn’t just our mascot—he’s a mentor in his own right. He stands for perseverance, confidence, and the ability to rise above adversity. He reminds us all that true strength isn’t about aggression—it’s about leadership, loyalty, and the courage to protect and uplift others.