Help Caroline raise money

This will be my 8th year running for Team Light of Life in the Pittsburgh Marathon. In that time, I have raised nearly $6,000 for the organization and hope to continue to add to that total this year. Last year, I raised $15,000 to support organizations that support recovery from substance use disorders through running. In total, I have raised nearly $25,000 to support recovery from addiction. The run for a reason campaign is close to my heart for many reasons.

Years ago, when my time playing competitive soccer came to an end, I felt I needed something in my life to replace that yearning to compete and be active. That is where I found my love for running. Running allows me to compete with myself with every run. With each mile, I discover how strong my mind and body can be. It allows me to set goals and constantly strive to better myself. It has also connected me with the most uplifting and supportive community. The running community never ceases to amaze me. I have built the most meaningful friendships with my fellow runners and found companionship with complete strangers who share my love of running. What's more, is now I have found a way to combine my passion for running with a cause that is very important to me.

Light of Life is a place where hope and healing meet for men, women, and families experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. Over 10 years ago I met a very special man. We formed an instant connection. He supported me in every facet of life. He made me laugh, he encouraged me, he consoled me. He was the most intelligent, athletic, and generous man I had ever really met. He truly made friends and meaningful relationships with just about everybody he crossed paths with. Together, we welcomed a sweet baby boy into this world and grew in our family and love. As our son entered our lives, a joyous time most would assume, his life, our lives, were spiraling out of control quickly. And, we hid it pretty well for a while. 

It is a fairly common story, unfortunately. After an injury, Jacob sought relief from the injury through very strong pain medication; he was instantly hooked. It only took a few months for Jacob to lose the job he loved as a nurse at UPMC for diverting the medication that he began using heroin. This goes on for years: recovery, and active addiction, heartbreak, and happiness, tears, and smiles. It was truly a rollercoaster. Jacob was in and out of various rehab centers, in various states. He missed milestones, holidays, birthdays. Lost his job, his relationships, his confidence. Recovery was a happy time, but addiction always loomed; it was miserable. 

I use "was" because addiction won this battle. Jacob fought; we fought hard. On August 27, 2016, I got the phone call I had feared for years. Jacob has overdosed and, just like that, he was gone. People have their opinions about those who suffer from substance use disorders but, my journey with Jacob through his addiction opened my heart. As much as I hated his addiction, he truly hated it more. Addiction stole so much from him, ultimately his life. And, in that, it stole just as much from my son and I. Most importantly, this man we both loved deeply. 

Missions like Light of Life were a beacon of hope during those years Jacob struggled with his fight. Addiction is a dark and lonely place for all involved and the missions provide support and relief for addicts and their families. Jacob often spoke of a time when he felt confident in his recovery that he would like to give back and help other addicts; it is that goal that I am pursuing in his honor. I want to support a mission that provides what Jacob and I yearned for in his addiction. I want to support a mission that helps addicts achieve and maintain sobriety, the greatest gift. 

Finally, as a teacher, I am a strong believer in lifelong learning. After Jacob's death, I earned my master's degree in clinical mental health and substance use disorder counseling. My goal is to help people recognize addiction as the disease that it is. If I can help people understand that, I think we can offer more resources to those who need them, people will no longer have to suffer in silence because they feel ashamed, and maybe we can prevent others from falling victim to this terrible disease.