The Think of Michael Foundation and A Healthy Lynnfield co-hosted the sixth annual Night of Hope to raise awareness and support those who are affected by substance abuse on Sunday night.
The event began at Lynnfield Middle School with tables set up from various substance abuse awareness and support groups. Hundreds of supporters gathered and walked from the middle schools to the Town Common, where speakers presented to raise awareness for substance abuse.
“Hope is why we’re here this evening. To come together as a community, family, and friends, to acknowledge a challenge in our community, our country, and our world, and to give hope to all those among us who struggle with addiction — to learn and remember those who passed away,” Town Administrator Rob Dolan said. “Hope is the most important thing in our life.”
A Healthy Lynnfield focuses on “early prevention,” A Healthy Lynnfield Chair and Select Board Vice Chair Phil Crawford said.
“Our mission is to empower residents to make positive choices every day. Together, we work to prevent substance misuse, improve the quality of life for those impacted, and support programs that help all young people thrive,” he said. “My wish is that you are inspired by the stories that you hear tonight, and that you join us in creating a community filled with healing, growth and understanding. Together we can, and are making a difference.”
Think of Michael Co-Founder and Select Board Chair Dick Dalton gave up his speaking time to include a last-minute speaker at the event.
“Often we overlook the impact that an individual’s substance use disorder has on their family,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve introduced a lot of speakers, but I’ve never been so privileged as I am tonight to introduce to you Camryn Donovan.”
Donovan, a Lynnfield High School senior, spoke about her experience growing up with an addict in her family.
“My father, once a pillar of strength and love, fell into the disease of addiction,” Donovan said.
“I learned how to navigate challenges with determination and grace, never allowing the weight of our circumstances crush my spirit,” she said. She has used the hardships as motivation to “build a better life” for her and her family.
“I have learned that our past did not have to dictate our future,” she said. “We have the power to overcome our circumstances, no matter how big or small, and we can create our own path.”
Jamie Dalton, the son of Dick and Carmela Dalton and brother of Michael Dalton, acknowledged his own journey in recovery, especially after his brother Michael lost his life due to substance abuse six years ago.
“I want to take a moment to recognize the people here that are in the recovery journey and those who also work in the recovery field, and give them a round of applause for all their hard work and achievement,” he said.
Jamie Dalton introduced two other people in recovery, Kevin Mortimer and Mari Santos, to share their journeys.
Mortimer said he has struggled with substance use disorder for 20 years. He began smoking marijuana in middle school and shared his experiences in jail and prison, and using harder drugs.
“I wasn’t able to maintain that recovery the first few times I tried. It took a while, but I finally received comfort from that internal pain I’d been carrying for so long,” he said. “With professional help, I was kind of able to relearn how to be human.”
Now 35 years old, Mortimer has his own one-bedroom apartment and works at a peer recovery support center.
“I’m just beyond grateful for this life I’ve been able to build thanks to recovery,” he said.
He ended with a saying that has followed him through recovery, “Recovery isn’t for people who need it and it’s not for people who want it either, but it’s for people who do it.”
Santos has been sober for five and a half years and lost her sister to an overdose six months into her recovery, Jamie Dalton said when he introduced her. She now works as the general manager at Chelsea’s House, a sober living home in Lynn.
“I also want to express my gratitude to all the dedicated individuals working tirelessly in this field to help overcome some challenges and rebuild people’s lives. We are the real MVPs,” Santos said.
She said her sister’s death has been a driving force in her journey in recovery. “Recovery has given me a life that I could have never imagined.”
Addiction can happen to anyone, Santos said.
“It’s a silent killer hiding in plain sight,” she said. “We need to continue to raise awareness about the dangers of overdose and the importance of seeking help in the power of recovery… There is hope, there is help, and there is healing. I am living proof.”
The town came together at the end of the night by lighting up their votive candles and showing support to one another.
