Years ago, when my time playing competitive soccer came to an end, I felt I needed something in my life to replace that yearning to compete and be active. That is where I found my love for running. Running allows me to compete with myself with every run. With each mile, I discover how strong my mind and body can be. It allows me to set goals and constantly strive to better myself. It has also connected me with the most uplifting and supportive community. The running community never ceases to amaze me. I have built the most meaningful friendships with my fellow runners and found companionship with complete strangers who share my love of running. What's more, now I have found a way to combine my passion for running with a cause that is very important to me.
Over 10 years ago I met a very special man. We formed an instant connection. He supported me in every facet of life. He made me laugh, he encouraged me, and he consoled me. He was the most intelligent, athletic, and generous man I had ever really met. He truly made friends and meaningful relationships with just about everybody he crossed paths with. Together, we welcomed a sweet baby boy into this world, and grew in our family and love. As our son entered our lives, a joyous time most would assume, his life, our lives, were spiraling out of control quickly. And, we hid it pretty well for a while.
It is a fairly common story, unfortunately. After an injury, Jacob sought relief from the injury through very strong pain medication; he was instantly hooked. It only took a few months for Jacob to lose the job he loved as a nurse for diverting the medication that he began using heroin. This goes on for years: recovery, active addiction, heartbreak, happiness, tears, and smiles. It was truly a rollercoaster. Jacob was in and out of various rehab centers, in various states. He missed milestones, holidays, and birthdays. Lost his job, his relationships, his confidence. Recovery was a happy time, but addiction always loomed; it was miserable.
I use "was" because addiction won this battle. Jacob fought; we fought hard. On August 27, 2016, I got the phone call I had feared for years. Jacob has overdosed and, just like that, he was gone. People have their opinions about those who suffer from substance use disorders but, my journey with Jacob through his addiction opened my heart. As much as I hated his addiction, he truly hated it more. Addiction stole so much from him, ultimately his life. And, in that, it stole just as much from my son and me. Most importantly, this man we both loved deeply.
Often, during Jacob's periods of active addiction, people would very bluntly ask, "if you are sick of your addiction, why don't you just go to rehab?". It sounds simple. But, rehab comes with a price. All too often, individuals are willing to seek an honest recovery but they certainly are not able, and it is usually due to their financial circumstances. Release Recovery Foundation offers scholarship funding to bridge the gap between what people can afford and what they need to transform their lives, regardless of race, gender, and/or sexual orientation. Release Recovery will connect the appropriate care providers and make all financial arrangements for approved recipients to help build a strong foundation in early recovery. All beneficiaries of funding from The Release Recovery Foundation will be asked to complete monthly “check-in” phone calls for a full year with our recovery advocates. We hope that, in doing so, we can help people discover their potential and live their best lives becoming productive members of society again. All of the money raised by The Release Recovery Foundation goes directly to care for individuals in need. We believe that by allocating our funds directly to patient/client care, we are creating opportunities for each recipient to make the world a better place.
Addiction is a dark and lonely place for all involved and the Release Recovery Foundation provides support and relief for addicts and their families. Jacob often spoke of a time when he felt confident in his recovery that he would like to give back and help other addicts; it is that goal that I am pursuing in his honor. I want to support a mission that provides what Jacob and I yearned for in his addiction. I want to support a mission that helps addicts achieve and maintain sobriety, the greatest gift.
Finally, as a teacher, I am a strong believer in lifelong learning. After Jacob's death, I earned my master's degree in clinical mental health and substance use disorder counseling. My goal is to help people recognize addiction as the disease that it is. If I can help people understand that, I think we can offer more resources to those who need them, people will no longer have to suffer in silence because they feel ashamed, and maybe we can prevent others from falling victim to this terrible disease.
Release Recovery Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all who are ready and willing to seek professional treatment, are able. Substance abuse and mental illness destroys the lives of too many people from underserved communities who may not have the resources for proven treatments. Last year, we had 61 runners complete the NYC Marathon and raised over $400,000.00 for those who suffer from mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder. This year, we are going even BIGGER and our goal is to break $1,000,000.00. Please support us on this mission to save lives. Give Thanks. Live Life. Release.
