Mike Jackson was a relief pitcher for four pro teams. Addiction left him homeless. Now he helps others get sober as a Straight and Narrow counselor. Michael Jackson of Paterson was once a major league relief pitcher who intimidated batters and awed fans with his powerful left-handed delivery. During a four-year career in the early…
Tag: addiction
Former Kentucky Teacher of the Year turns focus to addiction recovery
Dueñas was the 2019 Kentucky State Teacher of the Year LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For 13 years, teaching was a passion for Jessica Dueñas. She had worked in Jefferson and Oldham County school districts and in 2019, she was named the Kentucky State Teacher of the Year. “Obviously, the biggest honor I’ve ever had and because…
‘I made a promise to him’ | Simsbury mom conducts study to fight substance abuse
Lisa Gray lost her son to an opioid overdose in 2018, less than a month later she started a non-profit to help those battling addiction. GRANBY, Conn. — A local nonprofit is conducting a study in Connecticut to see what types of programs and services are needed to support those battling substance use disorders. Lisa Gray lost…
Man overcomes violent drug-filled past to help others like him on TikTok
Overcoming a past fuelled by drug addiction, crime, violence and prison sentences isn’t easy. But a Swindon man is using TikTok to try to help others like him beat their demons. Paul Simmons, 44, Walcot, appears to be a regular, happy, family man, living with his partner Zasha and two children Frankie, 8 and Lindon, 6, but…
‘I had six months to live’: Recovering alcoholics from Leeds win award for running club to help others beat addiction
Two recovering alcoholics from Leeds are celebrating after winning a community award for the success of their running club, set up to help others beat addiction. Running helped transform the lives of recovering alcoholics Dean Smith and Jamie Hesleden. ‘Recovery Runners Community’ was initially set up in January 2021 when Dean and Jamie came up with the…
Mom starts charity run to honor son lost to addiction
Two years ago, a mother and her son and daughter ran among nature at Anchor Park in Delray Beach. The trees, plants, and animals. And the peace. For Juliet Ciambrone, the run was more than these things. It was a moment shared with her son. “We had a wonderful experience that day,” she said.On Tuesday,…