This will be my third year participating in the Shatterproof #StrongerThanAddiction Challenge. I primarily got involved in 2020 because I lost my older sister, Cassidy, to an overdose on 2/18/20. I wanted a way to honor her, so my family and I participated in a #WalkForCassidy. Many of our family and friends joined us, and it felt like a beautiful way to “do” something after losing my sister. It was a small way to get involved in the fight to break down the stigma of addiction.
Since then I also lost my father, David, on 4/2/21 to heart complications and health problems brought on by a lifetime of addiction and mental health issues.
Fifteen years ago my sister Cassidy inspired me to begin my own recovery journey. At that time, she had a few years of recovery under her belt and on January 1st, 2006 she helped me get clean. She opened my eyes to a new way of life and showed me that things can always get better. I have been thankful for her every day since then and I will continue to be. I am where I am in life today because my sister gave me the chance.
Cassidy was just 34 years old when we lost her. She was an inspiration to me and to so many other people. She was loving and kind, protective, funny, and so beautiful inside and out. People were always drawn to my sister and were amazed by how intelligent and talented she was. To this day people are still amazed at her artistic ability through her drawings, paintings, and photography. She had her whole life ahead of her. She wanted to live and recover, but she didn't have the chance.
Addiction is a disease that gets a hold of people and refuses to let go. If addiction treatment were more readily available, maybe my sister would still be here. While addicts struggle, the world stands by constantly judging and labeling them. The stigma attached to addiction does nothing to help anyone and thankfully Shatterproof is trying to change that.
This year I am hoping to participate in the #RiseUpAgainstAddictionWalk in NY on 10/29 to honor my sister, my father, and every other person out there who is struggling or lost their battle with addiction.
