Running for Michelle, Walking for Hope

I know everyone has addiction touch their family somehow—rich or poor, city or country, addiction spares no one. This is my story, and why I'm running the Oakwood24.

Michelle was my beautiful, hilarious younger cousin. As only children, we were as close as sisters. We spent countless family vacations together, girls' trips throughout New England, and celebrated life's biggest moments side by side. She was there at my wedding, and she met both my daughter Emmerson (Emme) and my son Tony. Emme reminds me of her so much—both in looks and humor. I wish more than anything that they had her here as their cousin. 

Michelle was a total 10 out of 10. She had the brains, the humor, and a stunning beauty that radiated from the inside out. A 2005 graduate of Farmington High School and UCONN, she was smart, caring, and always rooted for the underdog. She was always trying to teach me how to pose in a photo—and to this day I still can't get it right, but I think of her every time I awkwardly smile at a camera.

But when she lost her father suddenly at 17, something in her broke that never quite healed. The trauma led to a series of addictions, and on March 6, 2019, at just 31 years old, addiction stole her from us.

Through running and getting to know Jon Frey, the race director of Oakwood24, I've learned how truly special Healing Transitions is. They provide free long-term onsite care—not just helping people get sober, but giving them the time and support to rebuild their lives and have a real fighting chance against relapse. That kind of comprehensive care changes everything.

I can't bring Michelle back. But I can honor her memory by helping other families get more time—more holidays, more celebrations, more ordinary nights together—that we didn't get with her.

I will be running and walking for 24 hours straight on Saturday, November 22nd, starting at 8:00 am at Lakeside Retreat to bring awareness to addiction and places like Healing Transitions that make a real difference.

Whether you can donate monetarily or come out and run or walk a lap with me on November 22nd, I encourage you to get involved! To date, this incredible event has raised over $1 million for recovery. Let's keep that momentum going.

Every dollar you donate gives someone fighting addiction the gift Michelle deserved: a real chance at recovery, and a family the gift of more time together.

Thank you for supporting this cause that means so much to me.