Franklin Park Run To 'Rise Up Against Addiction' Saturday

JAMAICA PLAIN, MA — This Saturday, the Boston Police Department, and some who's who of Boston will join Shatterproof's Rise Up Against Addiction's 5k Run/Walk at Franklin Park in Boston to show solidarity and raise awareness for those who have been affected by addiction.

"No one should ever feel alone when it comes to addiction. It can affect any family. I am proud that my department is the first police department to stand together with those who are looking to end the stigma and shame associated with addiction," said Commissioner William Evans in a statement.

In addition to Gov. Charlie Baker, Police Commissioner Evans, Fire Commissioner Finn, and EMS Chief Hooley are all slated to attend the inaugural “Rise Up Against Addiction Boston 5K Run/Walk” to help raise awareness around the current opioid crisis that’s causing devastation to our families and loved ones, according to the Boston Police.

Representatives of Shatterproof, a national group dedicated to ending the devastation addiction causes families, said thousands are expected to show up. and as of Oct. 24, 110 teams had signed up for the Boston 5K Run/Walk and more than $262,000 had been raised from this event alone.

“At Shatterproof, we’re committed to igniting conversations around addiction in an effort to raise awareness and end the stigma around this disease,” said CEO and Founder of Shatterproof Gary Mendell. “Millions of people in Massachusetts alone are affected by substance use disorder and we are excited to bring the Rise Up Against Addiction movement to this city to rally the community together and foster a sense of strength and support rather than shame.”

Mendell founded Shatterproof after losing his son Brian to addiction in 2011 to spare other families of the tragedy his family suffered. The group organized runs for the first time this year in Kansas City in June and brought them to several cities.

Update: Mayor Marty Walsh previously was slated to go, but apparently he won't be attending, according to representatives at the Shatterproof non profit.

Event Details:

WHEN: Saturday, October 28, 2017

WHERE: Franklin Park Playstead, Pierpont Road

Event Schedule:

• 8 a.m. : Site Opens
• 9: a.m. Program/Remarks
• 9:30 a.m. - 5K Run/Walk

For more information on how to register visit: https://5kboston.shatterproofg...

Sponsors of Shatterproof’s Boston “Rise Up Against Addiction” campaign include Choice Hotels, Cigna, GOODWIN, Hilton Worldwide, Pacira Pharmaceuticals, and Wyndham. Platinum sponsors include LaSalle and Loews. Gold sponsors include the HEI, Jones Lang LaSalle, Marriott, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Wells Fargo. Silver sponsors include Four Seasons Private Residences - One Dalton and Indivior. Bronze sponsors include Chubb, Kaleo, and Vineyard Vines. The media sponsor for the Boston “Rise Up Against Addiction” is CBS - 4WBZ.

More to come