‘Recovery is possible’

Rally celebrates battles won, lives lost to addiction

NILES -- Old friends, new friends and family members gathered Saturday at 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood for the 13th annual Recovery Rally hosted by the Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP.)

ASAP is a project of the Trumbull County Mental Health & Recovery Board, and the event celebrated the sobriety of people with addiction and commemorated the lives lost to the disease. The group also had a few goals in mind for the day stopping the cycle of addiction.

"We invite families and children to attend because many have never experienced a loved one or parent in recovery. By spending time together in a positive, family-friendly environment, having fun and seeing others in recovery enjoying life, families can begin to see that recovery is possible and that healthy, substance free relationships can be rebuilt," said Lauren Thorpe, ASAP project coordinator and associate director of the TCMHRB.

More than 40 vendors offered information about helping people through and maintaining their sobriety journey and offered places to have fun with their families. A bounce house in the parking lot and a corn hole area was set up near the entrance of the baseball field.

Jocko the Clown made balloon animals for anyone who wanted one. A Flash in Time photo booth offered social media ready photos to attendees and Perfect Occasion Costumes and Magic painted faces or body art. Forever Friends therapy dogs were there because pets are said to have a calming and loving effect on individuals.

Another goal for Saturday's event was to end the stigma.

"Addiction is often associated with shame, judgment and negative stereotypes. The rally provides an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate recovery and show that people with substance abuse disorders are valued members of our community," Thorpe said.

Food is a way to bring people together. The rally provided a free lunch that included a hot dog, chips and ice cream for dessert. Access Healthy Food Mahoning Valley offered free food from their mobile market after guests filled out a survey.

"We offer meat, dairy, cheese, produce from our urban farm, and pantry items. They can choose whatever they want within an amount," said Brian Zuzan, assistant manager of Access Healthy Foods and Flying HIGH Inc.

Toward the end of the day, everyone gathered in the stands of the ballpark to listen to Carol Henderson, a TCMHRB board member and April Caraway, its executive director.

The entire ballpark was silent in respect as Caraway read the numerous names from the addiction memorial sheets of local residents who died from substance abuse.

Celebrating recovery is also a goal.

"The rally gives individuals in recovery an opportunity to be proud of their accomplishments, celebrate their milestones and recognize the hard work that goes into maintaining a recovery. It also allows families, friends, service providers and the community to come together and celebrate that prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover," Thorpe said.

Henderson celebrated the sobriety countdown starting with people who have reached the milestone of 40 to 50 years sober down to 24 hours of substance free existence. Henderson gave the 24-hour sober individuals a guidebook to help them through their journey.

"Call the number if you need help and create a community. People are here to support you. Do the work," Henderson told them.

The day ended with a one lap rally walk outside the baseball field and a jump or walk through a foam party in the parking lot. It brought joy and lightness to all who participated in the rally.

"We walk in remembrance and celebration," Thorpe said.

She added that the event honors those who have passed away and celebrates individuals in recovery who are rebuilding their lives.

The last goal of the recovery rally is to bring hope.

"When our community hears stories about addiction, they are often focused on the negative consequences. We want to show our community that recovery is happening every day in Trumbull County. There are individuals and families rebuilding their lives, supporting one another and sharing positive change. Sharing these stories helps give hope to people who might still be struggling," Thorpe said.