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The Rockland Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependence is using its annual rally to show that “recovery works,” emphasized Kathleen Katt-Bennie, the organization’s prevention service coordinator.
September is “National Recovery Month,” she said.
The theme of this year’s event is, according to RCADD’s website: “Our Families, Our Stories, and Our Recovery.”
Reid Schwartz’s family's story is one of them.
When the 24-year-old New City man died of an apparent heroin overdose on June 8, 2015, he left behind his grieving parents, Caren and Russell, and a sister, Leah.
But what he also left behind was a legacy of kindness.
“He was such a loving person,” his mother said Thursday. “After (he died) so many people told us such nice stories about what he had done for them, it was very heart-warming.”
Reid, an outdoorsy guy who had dreams of owning a restaurant, loved pets and people, Schwartz said, adding, “He was always bringing home strays.”
But while he was good at looking after others, he had a hard time taking care of himself, his mother said.
There were times when he was doing well, but eventually, he lost his struggle, she said.
Schwartz and her family, who found support from groups such as the Friends of Recovery Rockland and the RCADD, are now fighting to increase awareness about heroin addiction.
They were at State Sen. David Carlucci’s side in June when he announced that Gov. Andrew Cuomo had signed his bill making Naloxone, a life-saving anti-opioid drug, available over-the-counter at all chain pharmacies in the state.
Reid was saved several times by Naloxone, Schwartz said, adding that she considers it an "important tool" in the fight against opioid addiction.
In a statement posted online, the Schwartzes said they were “grateful and honored to take part” in the event.
“We proudly join in fighting this battle of addiction and supporting recovery and are hoping to make a difference and keep Reid’s memory alive. Let’s end the stigma and break the silence!”
The rally, which features a 5K run and walk, will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Rockland Lake State Park, organizers said.
The park is at 299 Rockland Lake Road. Its offices can be reached by called (845)-268-3020.
While there are no T-shirts left, Katt-Bennie said, people can still pick up race packets and register until 8 p.m. tonight (Thursday, Aug. 25) at the RCADD’s offices, at 25 Smith St., Suite 101, Nanuet.
They can also register just prior to the walk/run from 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Katt-Bennie suggested folks get there before 8 a.m. to avoid the parking fee.
The 5K run starts at 9 a.m., while the walk kicks off at 9:15 a.m.
For more information about the rally, click here.
For more information about the RCADD, click here.
For more information about “National Recovery Month,” click here.
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