For the past eight years, the Walsh family has participated in this 5k to honor those who have lost their lives to addiction. I assisted in last year's event alongside Eddie, who lost his battle just days later. Eddie was, and always will be, the love of my life. This man was my entire world - and I was his. Our love was so rare, raw and special that even the word "soulmate" couldn't do it justice. We got each other in ways nobody else ever could. We were like two puzzle pieces, fitting together just right. When we looked at each other we saw forever - wedding bells, kids running around a big yard and growing old together. I miss him more than I could ever put into words and I love him beyond eternity. He was the strongest, most incredible man I've ever met.
Eddie looked forward to a time when he could sustain long-term recovery and give back to others in need. His goals in life were to “marry his girlfriend, have a family and dog of his own, use his college degree to find a career he was passionate about, own a home and gain financial stability, and continue to build his relationship with his family and friends”. Eddie’s life goals were never met.
Addiction or “substance use disorder” has taken the lives of so many of our loved ones. It is a chronic and progressive disease that ravages the mind, body, and spirit. As difficult as it is to overcome, it is treatable, and Eddie made several courageous attempts to do so.
Please join us in honoring those who have lost their lives to addiction, helping to reduce the stigma of addiction, and supporting the work of The Family Restored.
The Family Restored: "Believing that recovery is possible, our mission is to strengthen and support families affected by addiction"
The Family Restored's Impact:
- TFR has provided nearly $720,000 in treatment scholarships to over 580 individuals.
- TFR hosts 10 weekly family support groups throughout New England and virtually, attended by as many as 125 people weekly.
- TFR has provided 12-Step workshop to over 80 inmates at Cumberland County Jail.
- TFR has introduced 70 family members to the 12 Steps through their Family Big Book Workshops.
For more information, visit: www.thefamilyrestored.org
Please help me in supporting this amazing organization! Thank you!