Running for a reason: one woman strives to raise awareness for addiction

It’s typical to start the New Year with resolutions. One Rock Hill woman’s bigger-than-normal 2013 resolution is to educate people about the heartbreak and disease of addiction – and honor the memory of her brother.

The Joe Davis Year’s Resolution 5K Run/Walk and 1 mile Fun Run, will be 9 a.m. on Jan. 5 at Walter Elisha Park in Rock Hill. It’s organized by Melissa Davis Boyd.

The event, managed by Start2Finish Event Management in Charlotte, is part of the local race calendar, and is expected to attract 250 runners from the two states.

It is a fundraiser for Keystone Substance Abuse Services, a York County nonprofit that offers education, prevention and treatment services.

“Ever since Joe passed away in 2009 at 28, I’ve wanted to do something,” said Davis Boyd, a registered nurse. “He wasn’t just someone who abused substances and alcohol. He was happy, generous, and always had a big bear hug for you.”

After Joe’s death, Davis Boyd started running to cope with “the profound loss” and to continue to lead a healthy life free of addiction.

“We grew up in a solid, Christian, middle-class family,” said Davis Boyd, “but my grandmother was an alcoholic and my father abused prescription drugs and was a recovering addict.

“Of our three siblings, the genetic component of addiction showed up in Joe.”

She uses her medical background to help explain that the genetic component of addiction is a disease and appears in families, like the genetic component to breast cancer.

People need to recognize addiction is a disease, not a weakness, and get help, said Davis Boyd.

Janet Martini, executive director of Keystone Substance Abuse Services, said the agency helped 41,201 residents, both individuals with substance and alcohol abuse problems, and their families.

“We work with individuals at any point in their substance abuse issue, including prevention and education programs for children and healthy families, and treatment options for youth and adults,” Martini said. “We offer services to individuals regardless of their ability to pay.”

Helping those with addictions find their way back to self-sufficiency is what Keystone is all about, said Martini. “A large percentage of those who come to us are in need of financial help, and that’s why this run is so meaningful to us.”

After Joe’s death, Davis Boyd found a journal he had kept. She learned that he quit using heroin “cold turkey,” and that he had accepted Christ, a “huge source of comfort to us,” she said.

“I’d like to honor Joe’s memory by helping others get the treatment they need for substance abuse and addiction at Keystone Services,” said Davis Boyd. “If Joe had known about Keystone, it’s possible he would still be alive.”