LYNNFIELD — The Think of Michael Foundation and A Healthy Lynnfield are holding the fifth annual Night of Hope in observance of National Recovery Month on Sunday, Sept. 17, beginning at 6 p.m. at Lynnfield Middle School.
“The community is invited to come out and show support for those who struggle every day to reclaim their lives from substance use disorders and to celebrate hard fought successes for those who remain substance free,” said Substance Use Prevention Coordinator Peg Sallade. “This year, both organizations also encourage the community to observe International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.”
Sallade said the traditional purple bows that are a hallmark of eecovery initiatives will line the Main Street sidewalks from the middle school to the Town Common. In addition, free votives will be available at the Lynnfield Library to the first 200 people on Aug. 30 and 31 during library hours.
“Residents are encouraged to light the votive in their windows each night during Recovery Month as a symbol of hope for those on their journey to wellness,” said Sallade.
The event will once again feature a walk starting at the middle school, and speakers will be sharing their experience and hope on the Common. Boston Bruins National Anthem singer Todd Angilly will sing as he did at the Think of Foundation’s Trivia Night fundraiser this past spring. Families can pick up free shirts and visit community resource tables starting at 5 pm at LMS. As an awareness-raising and family event, parents are encouraged to start conversations early with their children about healthy choices and the reality of the impact substance use can have.
“This year is particularly important to me because five years ago, I lost my son Michael to an opioid overdose,” said Think of Michael Foundation President Carmela Dalton. “After the shock of his passing, we as a family decided to do something in his memory. We partnered with A Healthy Lynnfield and created Night of Hope. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him and pray to him that he gives those families and individuals dealing with addiction the courage and strength to attain sobriety. We have raised awareness within the community and that, in turn, has had a positive impact on the stigma associated with addiction. People within the community are much more comfortable about being open to the idea of seeking help.”
Dalton recalled that the Think of Michael Foundation provides scholarships to sober house living, which she noted is not covered by insurance.
“For many, it is an invaluable part of their transition to sobriety,” said Dalton. “Over these past five years, the Think of Michael Foundation has touched so many lives. It is so rewarding when we receive thank you notes or individuals approach us to thank us for the sober home scholarship that they received from the Foundation. More than once, we are told that we have saved their life. As I said many times in the past, if we can save a life, we have accomplished our goal. On behalf of the Dalton and Cook families as well as our Board of Directors, we thank you for the love and support that you have given us and for the opportunity to help those less fortunate individuals amongst us.”
For more information about A Night of Hope, residents can contact Dalton at cmdalton@thinkofmichael.org or Sallade at salladem@lynnfield.k12.ma.us.
The mission of the Think of Michael Foundation is to help individuals and families battling substance use disorder and create effective change where change is needed.
A Healthy Lynnfield is a community partnership that aims to empower residents to make positive choices every day.
“Together, we work to prevent substance misuse, to improve the quality of life for those impacted, and to support programs that help all young people thrive,” said Sallade.