Two area women Patty Katz and Louise Wedge had a dream of giving back to inspire hope and change after one man helped them and countless others to enter the world of recovery. Katz said it was difficult getting off of alcohol and other drugs on her own. On several occasions her voice choked when recalling the transition in her life and her gratitude for the help she received. " I was never successful in getting clean. The man saved my life," Katz said. Katz and Wedge started "Hands Across the Bridge" in 2001. On Sept. 4 around 11 a.m. over 2000 people from WA and OR took their message of hope in a "Hands Across the Bridge" ceremony for national Alcohol and other Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Earlier events occurred with various speakers in Portland and Vancouver. Honorable Gregory Gonzales, (Therapeutic Treatment Court) and a Clark County Councilor spoke at Vancouver's event in Esther Short park. A Native American Drum procession led participants from both sides to the middle of the I-5 bridge to recite a recovery serenity prayer initiated by a tugboat's signal. A dove was released in remembrance of the lives lost from addiction and one for the hope of recovery. "We have so much we hear that's bad. We always learn of somebody overdosing, robbing a bank, doing this...doing that...but I want people to come out and see the good news. Recovery is real, recovery is possible, recovery rocks," Katz said. Annually throughout September events take place across the U.S. to celebrate people in recovery and recognize those who help make their recovery possible. Recovery is defined as a process of change through which people improve their health, wellness, and quality of life from the life threatening effects of alcohol and other drug abuse. Thomas Breitenbauch was in a treatment center when he participated in his first event. "Every year you see somebody new in recovery that you haven't seen in a long time and so it gives you hope and faith that recovery works," said Breitenbauch. This year marks his 10th consecutive year and he currently serves as board chair of the event. Every year accumulative recovery time of participants on the bridge is tallied. Breitenbauch reports 4,180 years, 7 months and 23 days for 2017. This year's Recovery Month theme is strengthening families and communities. Jeri Stanley, Secretary of SW Washington Recovery Coalition, highlights the family aspect. "To me it's really important that family have a place that they can come and get information and resources so they have a place they can go for clarity and understanding," said Stanley. "To feel safe and to be able to explain how they feel and it's not to the neighbor, but it's to somebody who has experienced this as a family member." Annually a recovery event called Oxfest follows the bridge ceremony at Esther Short park which includes music, food, information tables, and activities for children. It is hosted by Oxford Homes Inc., a self-run, self-supported recovery house program for individuals recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction. Testimonials |
Sandy- over nine years of recovery time. "Today I know how to live life right. My life is so awesome today. I can reach in my pocket and I do have money and my bills are paid. If people haven't gotten this yet, look at all of us. We're not perfect people, we don't live life perfect, but we do have a lot to give and you can get it too." |
Trista Wolles has been a volunteer for many years with HATB. Wolles said witnessing the unity, hope and the lives transformed inspired her and moved her to tears. "Turning your life around from something so desolate and draining into something so positive and wonderful and making a change in your life for the better...going from a place of hopelessness to a place of pure hope and inspiration and movement upwards in life... that's pretty incredible to see", said Wolles. |
Legislation and State Coalition Information
For more resources or to read other stories of hope
handsacrossthebridge.org
SW Washington Recovery Coalition
Washington Recovery Alliance
Oxfest
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Samhsa)- learn what's going on in your state
Thuy Smith Journal (For more stories)
Thuy Smith Outreach International (Main Website)
Other related videos (scroll down on link's page)
Blog- Recidivism in Recovery, Our emotions are not our enemy, but our belief systems may be
2 Comments
Randy
9/7/2017 06:42:53 am
What an amazing event. In a time when America is so polarized politically; to have people come together to celebrate recovery and to encourage people who need help to seek that help is refreshing. The diversity of people participating in this event illustrates that we all have much in common and that we become stronger by joining together and supporting one another.
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TS Outreach
9/7/2017 10:38:32 pm
Thank you Randy for Sharing.
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The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewees, event speakers and guest posts, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Thuy Smith Outreach.
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