First-ever addiction recovery walk scheduled for Sept. 10
BOYERTOWN >> As heroin addiction continues to grow across Pennsylvania, a Boyertown group is working from the ground up to fix it.
Brendan’s Band, a non-profit organization aimed at bringing addiction awareness to Boyertown and the Berks County area, is hosting its first ever addiction awareness and recovery walk. The free event is scheduled for Sept. 10 at St. John Church, 45 N. Reading Ave., Boyertown.
“Whenever you have something like this it seems the people who really need to be there are the ones that don’t think they do,” said Kathy Mackie, an addiction awareness advocate.
“If you don’t think you need to be there, you do. It can happen to anyone right in front of your eyes. You think you know your kids and you don’t always. If you think a kid is dabbling in drugs, they probably are,” said Mackie.
Mackie explained that she lost her son, Trevor, to a heroin overdose in January of 2012. Seven months after that, Trevor’s best friend, Stephen Watchorn, also died of a heroin overdose and that experience has helped her forge relationships with people dealing with the same pain, including Stephen’s mother. For the past four years, Mackie has been outspoken about the heroin epidemic and has participated in a variety of events that facilitate addiction treatment.
September’s event will have tables set up containing information on addiction treatment, grief counseling and support and recovery and will be available throughout the duration of the walk. Speakers will include State Rep. Marcy Toepel, Commissioner Michelle Kichline and a few others on addiction and the government’s view.
The walk will begin at the church at 4:30 p.m., followed by guest speaker Diane Shepler of Shine The Light.
A memorial slide show and vigil will take place directly afterward to remember the lives that have been lost to addiction. Photos of loved ones who have lost the fight with addiction can be submitted to be included in the memorial slideshow. Those submitting photos do not have to be from the immediate area and are not required to be in attendance in order for their loved one to be included.
Photos can be emailed to tnneafcyphoto@gmail.com and should include the name and dates of birth and death.
“No one should be ashamed if they are an addict, someone in recovery, or love someone who is addicted. Come out and help end the stigma,” said Mackie.