Danvers Holds Virtual 'Celebration Of Hope' Event

DANVERS, MA — For the past five years, groups of Danvers students and residents have "lit the night purple" as part of a "Celebration of Hope" walk and ceremony in support of those battling, and recovering from, addiction.

Only this year, when some of those friends, classmates and neighbors needed support more than ever, the event typically held in May has to be first postponed, then canceled, due to the coronavirus health crisis.

On Wednesday night, DanversCARES held a virtual "Celebration of Hope" to show that support until the group can gather and walk again.

Danvers Cares Director Lyla Harrod said the ceremony was meant "as a reminder of the ongoing struggle people in active addiction are facing and to seek out moments of brightness and moments of hope in this particularly difficult time."

The lead sponsor of the event is Recovery Centers of America.

Harrod said, as a Danvers native, she has seen so many people who have overcome addiction and are "living healthier and happier lives."

"This year, especially, banning together as a community is of the utmost importance," Harrod said.

She added that it is important to have "open, honest, non-judgemental conversations with each other" and "listen and understand their experiences."

"This is a disease that thrives in the darkness," she said.

The video, which lasts about 10 minutes, can be viewed here:

Those experiencing trouble with alcohol or opioids can reach out for help through the Recovery Centers for American in Danvers at 978-767-2847 or the Beth Israel Deaconess Danvers Treatment Center at 978-777-2121.

September is National Addiction Recovery Month.

More information on DanversCARES can be found here.