On Saturday, November 22nd at 8:00 AM, I’ll be running for 24 hours at this years 8th Annual Oakwood24 Run/Walk at Lakeside Retreats event benefiting Healing Transitions, to celebrate recovery, and raising awareness about the dangers of substance use and addiction.  

Addiction has touched my family deeply in many ways. I have lived through the hardest moments, but I’ve also witnessed the incredible gift of recovery. This year, as I celebrate a decade of sobriety, I’m running not just for myself—but for every person still fighting for their second chance.  

Just over 10 years ago, I began my recovery journey with nothing but fear, determination and a pair of running shoes. I was a father and husband who had lost his way—caught in the relentless grip of addiction, hurting my family, and destroying myself.

Running didn’t just give me endurance—it gave me clarity, a sense of purpose and pathway to healing. It taught me to break the impossible into the possible- one step, one mile and one day at a time. It gave me a way to process grief, rebuild trust, and push through tough moments even when the world felt impossibly heavy, and through the long miles, quiet trails, and small victories, I began to find my way back.  Every finish line became a reminder that healing is real, recovery is a gift, and a new life is possible.  

I’m supporting Healing Transitions during this year’s 8th Annual Oakwood24 Run/Walk because this organization means so much to the community and those seeking recovery from addition.  They provide peer-driven, recovery-oriented services that help people rebuild their lives and return to their families, their dreams, and their purpose and ensure no one has to walk this road alone.  To date, Oakwood24 has raised over $1,000,000 to support this work.

If you or someone you love has been touched by addiction—as so many of us have—please consider supporting this event. Whether you join us on the trail, make a donation, or share this message, your support has the power to change a life.

Because every STEP matters!

Every PERSON matters!

Every STORY matters!

And RECOVERY is worth running for!