CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Hundreds of people laced up their sneakers Saturday morning for the annual Run Drugs Out of Town 5K — a race with a purpose that goes far beyond the finish line.
The event is organized by FAN, or Face Addiction Now, a nonprofit focused on starting real conversations about addiction and making sure those who are struggling know they are not alone.
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Carrying a loved one’s memory
For Kody Taverner, the race is deeply personal. His twin sister, Brooke, died from addiction.
“It’s not an easy thing — it takes a lot of friends, a lot of family to lean on and have support from,” Taverner said.
Taverner said the sense of community the event creates can be life-changing for people still in the middle of their struggle.
“Knowing that you’re not alone, I think, can bring a lot of people comfort and it helps them to be vulnerable and open up and actually make that first step to reach out for help,” he said.
Teams from across the area unite
Teams from across the region joined the course, each carrying their own stories of love and loss. Daniel Seguin ran in memory of his son, and said the event is about more than remembrance — it’s about connecting people to the resources they need.
“It’s the aftercare, you know what I mean. When you go into a rehab, you really don’t know what to do — that’s where FAN comes in,” Seguin said.
When asked about his son’s legacy, Seguin’s answer was simple and powerful.
“He was a true character, just a good kid,” he said. “His memory will always be out there.”
FAN’s growing reach
Founded in 2007 in Fraser, FAN has expanded its reach to serve more families and provide ongoing support for people affected by substance use disorder. Dunya Kilano, FAN’s director of operations, said the organization’s strength comes directly from the people it serves.
“FAN would not exist if it wasn’t for people with lived experience. Connecting with people in recovery, connecting with families that have been through this — oftentimes addiction can feel like a really isolating disease,” Kilano said. “We’re just really lucky to have one another.”
For more information about FAN’s programs and volunteer opportunities, visit faceaddictionnow.org.