TIVERTON — The third annual Courtney Roderick Run for Recovery will take place this summer, with runners/walkers asked to complete the 5K sometime during the week beginning July 25 and take pictures or video that can be posted on the organization’s website.
Money raised from the run/walk will be donated to Trinity Village women’s recovery house in Portsmouth.
Courtney Roderick, 30, died from a drug overdose in her parent’s Tiverton home on Oct. 8, 2016, after battling addiction for 12 years.
Her parents, Kim and Mike Roderick, want to raise awareness about substance abuse and raise money to fund programs that could save lives.
“Together we stand to honor her memory, fight stigma, raise awareness and raise money to support those who are impacted by addiction,” is the message on the Courtney Roderick Run for Recovery website. “Courtney Roderick was a daughter, sister, mother and loved by many. She always wanted to give to others and help in any way she could, despite not having enough for herself. She was strong, bold, and her laugh and smile were contagious.”
Mike Roderick Jr. said those who register online by July 1 will be guaranteed a T-shirt.
The run/walk had 100 participants the first year and raised $7,500 that was donated to Eastman’s House in Providence. Last year 150 people took part and $8,000 was raised and donated to Crossroads Rhode Island in Providence.
The run/walk has taken place in the Highland Road area of Tiverton the last two years. This year participants can do it wherever they please.
“Run your 5k wherever you want with friends and family, submit your results and photographs, smile and know we are thankful for your support!” is the message on the registration page of Courtneyroderick5k.com.
Proceeds from this year’s run/walk will be donated to Trinity Village, a holistic substance abuse treatment program that opened on Aquidneck Island last year. It has three sites, a main services building in Middletown, a women’s recovery house in Portsmouth, and a men’s recovery house in Newport.
“Their mission and our mission are so aligned,” said Christine Nolan, founder and board chairwoman of Trinity Village Healthy Living. “We’re honored to be able to work with them,” Nolan said of the Rodericks.
Nolan said there has “been an increase in people struggling,” with substance abuse, depression and anxiety. The programs at Trinity Village have enabled people “to thrive and move forward,” she said.