Advocacy: My Voice, My Priveledge

Feb 4, 2025

“advocacy My Voice, My Privilege”

It’s hard to express what a privilege it is to be an advocate for people in recovery. One of my cherished gifts in recovery has been finding my voice; using it, to fight for others in recovery has become my purpose.

Last February was my first time going to Albany to our state Capital for Advocacy Day/Stand Up for Recovery. It was an experience I’ll forever remember. First, it was snowing heavily (white-out conditions) that was not going to deter me! The bus showed up and I was determined to be on it along with my fellow peers.

I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming energy I experienced in an auditorium filled with people like me, advocating and uniting for recovery rights. After hearing many notable speakers, we lined up with a local High School drum band, leading the way to the steps of the Capital. That march, the sounds of the drums and standing side by side with my fellow advocates was so emotional, so empowering, so important.

Upon getting inside, we broke into groups and met with our appointed Senators. In the chambers of Senator Palumbo, I spoke with his assistant, Chris Stazio. I shared my story, my struggle, the shame I used to carry because of the stigma society puts on addiction. I shared how I was made to leave inpatient on my fifth day because insurance wouldn’t pay anymore. I told him I self-paid for my treatment ($16,100.00) because I desperately wanted to heal and give my children their mother back. The room was silent, he had tears in his eyes. I wasn’t a statistic, I was a woman/mother/person looking into his eyes and making a human connection, there is power in that. I knew in that moment, this woman I have fought for will continue to use my voice for the people behind me.

My whole career was created by the ones who came before me, who advocated for the rights of people in recovery to be treated with the same priority and dignity as any other disease. My gratitude is enormous for the ones who came before me, who have paved this path. I will proudly continue on this path, walk and advocate with great determination and perseverance for the ones still struggling.

I can’t wait for February 4, 2025, Recovery Day!! No matter what, I’ll be on that bus!

On February 4th, Friends of Recovery – New York (FOR-NY) continues Stand Up For Recovery Day/Advocacy Day for the 16th year! FOR-NY leads a day filled with Recovery Community Organizations (RCO’s) converging on the state capitol in Albany, NY as the recovery community advocates for the needs of its people. To learn more, please visit: https://for-ny.org/