‘A Night of Hope’ reinforces ‘recovery is possible for everybody’

HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS attended the sixth annual “A Night of Hope” on Sept. 22.  A Healthy Lynnfield and the Think of Michael Foundation co-hosted the event once again as part of National Recovery Month. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

 

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Hope filled the air and the Town Common was transformed into a sea of purple during the sixth annual “A Night of Hope” on Sunday, Sept. 22.

The Think of Michael Foundation and A Healthy Lynnfield co-hosted the event once again in order to recognize people in recovery as well as to remember individuals who lost their lives to addiction.

A Healthy Lynnfield Chair Phil Crawford thanked the 400 residents for attending the sixth annual “A Night of Hope.” He thanked Substance Use Prevention Coordinator Peg Sallade and Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Diana DeLeo for their “tremendous work” with students and residents. He also recalled that September is National Recovery Month.

“This month, communities all around the nation come together to help erase the stigma associated with substance use disorder,” said Crawford.

Think of Michael Foundation Treasurer Dick Dalton recalled that he, his wife Carmela, daughter Stacey, son Jamie and a “bunch of hardworking directors” started the nonprofit organization in honor of their late son, brother and friend, Michael, who passed away from an opiate overdose in January 2018.

“Over the past six years, we think we have helped a lot of people,” said Dick.

Lynnfield High School senior Camryn Donovan gave an incredibly moving speech about her father’s struggle with heroin addiction and how he abandoned her family.

“Growing up, my family seemed like any other,” said Camryn. “We laughed, we yelled and we cried. But no matter what, we supported each other thick and thin. However, beneath the surface, a storm was brewing that eventually changed everything. My father, once a pillar of strength and love, fell into the disease of addiction. Yes, it is a disease. This devastating turn of events not only shattered our family, but also shaped me into the resilient person I am today.”

Camryn said her father’s “descent into addiction was gradual, but was unforgettable.”

“As his addiction took hold, the changes became more pronounced,” said Camryn. “My father became more aggressive, and began to abuse my mother right in front of my eyes. She soon had to go on raising four kids on her own, always worried that after seeing the way she was treated, her three daughters would allow a man to treat them the same. The man I once knew and loved I soon couldn’t recognize. My father, who once read me bedtime stories and taught me how to be brave, was now a shadow of his former self. He was unfortunately consumed by his need for heroin. My father abandoned us, leaving my mother, my siblings and me to pick up the pieces of our broken lives. Not only did I lose my father, but I lost my childhood home and the place where I used to seek safety.”

Camryn said, “The impact of my dad’s addiction and abandonment was profound.”

“Overnight, I was forced to grow up and take responsibilities beyond my years,” said Camryn. “At only 12-years-old, I became a source of support for my mom, helping her manage the household and care for my younger sister Callie while my older siblings were practically on their own at only 20- and 23-years-old. This experience instilled in me a sense of resilience. I learned how to navigate challenges with determination and grace, never allowing the weight of our circumstances to crush my spirit, although it was hard and still is to this day five years later. Despite the hardships, I found strength in my situation. My dad’s absence taught me the importance of never giving up. I refuse to let his poor choices define my future.”

Camryn said she has used the lessons that she learned from her father’s addiction and abandonment as “motivation to build a better life for myself and my family.”

“My dad’s struggle with addiction and unfortunate abandonment left a lasting mark on my life,” said Camryn. “I have learned that our past does have not have to dictate our future. We have the power to overcome our circumstances, no matter how big or small, and we can create our own path. This lesson will continue to guide me as I embark on my college journey and beyond.”

After Camryn concluded her speech, she was given a standing ovation.

“That was amazing,” said Think of Michael Foundation Vice President Jamie Dalton. “I know it takes a lot of courage to get up here.”

Jamie recalled that he has been in recovery for six-and-a-half years.

“National Recovery Month is a time where we celebrate the successes of those in recovery,” said Jamie. “I am so grateful that so many people here have been instrumental in my recovery journey because no one can do this alone. The people I have met along the way of my journey are some of the most amazing people I have met in my life. I try to live my days by helping those the way that I was helped. Miracles do happen in recovery and recovery is possible for everybody. We have also had many loved ones, friends and people in our programs who have lost their lives to addiction. This town has been affected more by this disease than most people realize.”

Recovery on the Harbor Volunteer Coordinator Kevin Mortimer said he has been in recovery for the past two years, and was addicted to drugs and alcohol for 20 years.

“My mom abused substances until I was 10, and she got sober through AA,” said Mortimer. “I experienced trauma at a young age, and I thought that just tainted me. Early on, I really just felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere. I felt like I was absent on a day of school where they gave out the instructions for life.”

After Mortimer started smoking marijuana in middle school, he later started drinking alcohol and “binging on pills.”

“I just wanted to be disconnected from reality,” said Mortimer. “I didn’t know it at the time, but I was trying to seek comfort with these substances.”

Mortimer said he “got in trouble with the law in high school” and barely graduated. He dropped out of college after only a few weeks. He later served a year in prison for breaking-and-entering. After serving a year in jail, Mortimer said he was released and served another three-and-a-half years in prison for armed robbery.

“I was constantly lowering the bar,” said Mortimer. “I first tried heroin in prison.”

After Mortimer served three-and-a-half years in prison, he was involved in an armed robbery in Florida.

“I got stabbed in my spinal cord and was paralyzed,” said Mortimer. “My first thought wasn’t about how my life was going to be greatly affected. It just snowballed over the years. All of the money I had went to drugs and alcohol. It got to a point where I had to change. My mom was in recovery, so I knew it existed. I finally overcame the fear that was inside of me.”

While Mortimer said he wasn’t able to stay in recovery “the first few times” he tried, he eventually found success and was able “relearn how to be human.”

“I now have my first apartment at 35-years-old,” said Mortimer. “I never thought I would have my own apartment. I have a job that I love. I work at a recovery support center and I am able to help people. I am beyond grateful for this life that I have been able to build in recovery.”

After Mortimer concluded his speech, he was given a standing ovation.

Chelsea House General Manager Mari Santos said she has been in recovery for the past five-and-a-half years. She lost her sister to an overdose six months after she went into recovery.

“My heart still aches for her loss five years later, but somehow I have managed to turn that pain into a passion for helping others,” said Santos. “I want us to remember my sister as a blessing. I want to treasure the life that she shared with us over the pain that her death has brought to us. I remember the struggles my sister faced, the pain that she endured and the countless times she tried to overcome her addiction. I remember the promises we made to each other, the hopes we held onto and the dreams that we shared, all lost to addiction.”

Santos said, “Losing my sister to an overdose has left an unfillable void in my life.”

“I will always remember her bright smile, her infectious laugh and her generous spirit,” said Santos. “Her struggle with addiction was a constant challenge, but her passing has taught me the importance of compassion, empathy and support for one another.”

Santos said, “Recovery has given me a life that I never could have imagined.”

“A little over three years ago, I joined a team that helps people such as myself,” said Santos. “It has been an amazing experience being able to help others. And while I strive to be an inspiration to others, I need plenty of motivation myself. Getting clean and sober was the bravest thing I have ever done. My journey has been filled with loss, but I have also gained so much. I have a career helping others, my son is back in my life and I have a healthy relationship with my family. But most importantly, it gave me my life back. Recovery made this all possible. I am now dedicating my life to helping others struggling. In the aftermath of my sister’s death, my sister taught me the most valuable lesson of all: That addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. This is a treatable condition, and not a personal weakness. We need to continue to raise awareness about the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help.”

After Santos concluded her remarks, she was given a standing ovation.

A Healthy Lynnfield Youth Council members Annabelle Eckhart, Ereeny Georges and Lauren Lane encouraged the 400 attendees attending the ceremony to make healthy decisions and have hope.

Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church Rev. Glenn Mortimer and Ave Maria Parish Rev. Paul Ritt gave the closing blessings during “A Night of Hope.” The ceremony concluded with attendees lighting the electronic purple votive candles in support of people in recovery and in remembrance of the lives lost to addiction while Boston Bruins National Anthem singer Todd Angilly sang, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Frank Sinatra.

“May every night be ‘A Night of Hope’ in Lynnfield,” said Town Administrator Rob Dolan.