My husband, Russell, and I moved to Rockland County in 1982 shortly after we were married and we raised our two children, Leah and Reid, here. On June 8, 2015, our world forever changed when Reid passed away from his struggles with substance use disorder. I knew I needed to continue to advocate for this cause as I advocated for Reid so I attended my first Friends of Recovery Rockland meeting six weeks after his passing. I became very involved with this wonderful organization and in December of 2017 assumed the role of Coordinator; now that FOR- Rockland is a free-standing 501c3 non-profit organization, I was President and now in the position of Corresponding Secretary. I also help facilitate two grief support groups for those who have lost loved ones to substance use disorder. I am grateful to work closely with others who have the same passion regarding promoting recovery, as well as bringing awareness to others concerning substance use disorder while dispelling the stigma connected to substance use disorder. All I do, I do with Reid in my heart and by my side. 💜