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WILKES-BARRE — Love the addict, hate the disease.
A simple message, but one that Guy Coxe, of Hazleton, thinks embodied the spirit of the Overdose Awareness Day event at Kirby Park on Sunday.
The fourth annual event, held in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day, provided an opportunity to remember those lost to the disease of addiction, with both sorrow and joy.
For many, the highlight of the event was a balloon release, with each purple or silver globe rising to the sky with the name of a loved one who had died from an overdose.
District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis said the event was important because it shows that no one is alone in the fight.
“Addiction touches everyone in some way,” said Salavantis. “And by bringing everyone together to share their experiences, it may help save someone’s life or provide support a family needs to get through the loss of a loved one.”
Salavantis also credited first responders using Narcan, a drug that can reverse the effects of an overdose, with 17 lives saved this year in Luzerne County.
Community activist Darlene Magdalinski stressed the importance of dealing with life problems, in order to overcome addiction in the long term.
In recovery herself, Magdalinski likened her life to that of a butterfly, which is now soaring to the skies.
“I am enough,” she said.
Michael Donahue, Drug and Alcohol Program administrator for Luzerne and Wyoming counties, credited his faith with his work in the field and his positive outlook for long-term recovery.
“I believe that God will never let go of me,” he said. “No matter what.”
Vincent O’Boyle, pastor of the Church on the Square, agreed, lauding support available not only for addicts, but for their families.
Both Donahue and O’Boyle said every addict who gets clean and sober or who attempts to get clean and sober is a miracle.
About 300 attended the event, with about 100 participating in a short walk, sporting t-shirts bearing the words, “A life lost to an overdose.”
Organizer Carol Coolbaugh said those lives should be remembered not simply as being lost to a tragic disease, but also as a friend, a brother, a son.
Coolbaugh lost her son Erik to addiction six years ago. The event, she said, celebrates life.
Her daughter, Jennifer Coolbaugh, said she thought the event had quadrupled in the course of its four years. She credited those who donated food, including Tomato Heads, Hogan’s and Herr’s potato chips, for providing an opportunity for attendees to sit down and share a bite to eat, in addition to conversation and support.
Salavantis, she said, made use of the pavilion possible.
DJ Krytpon donated his services, filling the event with oldies, dance music and special requests.
The Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services’ Debbie Reddy and Melanie Drauss were on hand and available to share information and answer questions on a variety of topics.
Coxe said in spite of almost overdosing three times, he believes his life today is a gift.
Once homeless and hopeless, Coxe said sobriety has given him his family and his sanity back.
He said someone once told him, “Look down at your feet Guy, this is were God wants you to be.”
Funds raised at the event will benefit GRASP, Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing, and the Erik Coolbaugh Memorial Fund, providing drug and alcohol education in area schools.