Dealing with heroin addiction can make you feel powerless but you can take some power back this Sunday by joining Jimmy "Round Boy" Graham and myself as we co-chair the City of Angels ‘Walk With The Angels” at Mercer County Park at 8 a.m. Sunday.

Last month, I followed our Town Hall Series on heroin addiction in New Jersey with Jimmy "Round Boy” Graham, a Pitman comedian who’s taking on the dealers on behalf of his two sons who continue to fight this addiction.

Race director and event coordinator Art Ackerman had this to say about the race:

We lose a life every 4 minutes. While recovery from addiction is a reality, over 350 Americans die from alcohol or drugs each day – some 135,000 people every year – more than the number who die from either homicides or motor vehicle accidents. Another 22 million Americans are still suffering from addiction and the majority never receive any help. This walk is about getting them that help.

We are raising funds that will be used to assist individuals who are ready to change their lives by entering treatment, and 100% of proceeds will be used to assist families, which includes scholarships, medical assistance, housing assistance, educational programs and community awareness.

 

The event starts at 8 a.m. On-site registration the morning of the event is from 8 to 9 a.m., the Walk with the Angels starts at 9:30 a.m. and the runners start at 10 a.m. We have vendors as well as awareness groups who will be attending to make information available as this is National Recovery Month. Some of the groups represented are Young People in Recovery, TOPAC (The Overdose Prevention Agency Corporation), Steered Straight and more. We will also have testimonials throughout the day.

We have entertainment scheduled, including  Matt and Nick Avellino performing acoustically and Nikki Briar, a hot, sassy, country rocker Nikki Briar who will get your boots stompin' and hands clappin, guaranteed!

Come out and join us Sunday, Sept. 20 from 8 a.m. - noon for this great event. I hope to see you there.

City of  Angels realizes that addiction is a devastating disease that destroys too many lives. They seek to foster strong relationships with the community, schools, the criminal justice system and treatment centers to bridge the gap between addiction and a healthy lifestyle.

COA will offer assistance navigating the treatment system but realizes that successful completion of a treatment program is only the beginning. COA recognizes the difficulties people encounter when returning from treatment and we continue to be available for those in recovery by providing referrals, emotional support, and a safe, drug-free meeting place.

Visit them on the web at CityofAngelsNJ.org and WalkWithTheAngels.com.

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