Pat and Joe

We are brothers-in-law. But we share an even deeper bond—we are both sober individuals and proud Caron alums. And on June 29, to raise money for scholarships to Caron, we will be running the Leadville Trail Marathon in Colorado—a race dubbed the nation’s toughest and highest marathon. Please support our efforts to help make Caron’s life-changing treatment available to those who can’t afford it.

Pat’s Story

In 2009, I finally accepted that my life was unmanageable and that I needed to change. So off I went to Caron, unsure of my future but hopeful for a better life. The beginning was tough. I had no idea how to live sober, and the task seemed daunting. But at Caron, I learned that change is possible—and change I did, slowly but surely. Thanks to Caron and the support of my family, today I have been sober for almost 15 years. I have a wonderful wife and two beautiful kids. My relationship with my family, previously broken and volatile due to me, is healthy and meaningful. It’s a life I would have never thought possible until I went to Caron.

Joe’s Story

In 2020, I finally decided, with the help of my friends and family, that my life needed a drastic change. I had been hiding a drug and alcohol addiction for 12 years and could no longer face the reality of my life. On March 21, 2020, my life changed forever when I first stepped on campus at Caron. I learned so many valuable lessons during my time there, began to understand what a sober life could look like, and formed lifelong relationships with other people battling the same demons as me.

Thanks to Caron and my loved ones, I am three and a half years sober today and living a life beyond my wildest dreams! I embarked on a new journey and have found happiness, life, and love in Colorado. I love the man I see in the mirror and am proud of the man I am becoming. I have strong relationships with my parents, three older sisters, and older brother when before I had severely damaged them. I owe so much of my newfound appreciation and gratefulness for life to Caron and the time I spent there. I am humbled and thankful for having the opportunity to have spent time at Caron and to be welcomed into such a strong and loving sober community.