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 nonprofit 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.

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, Chester County 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.