Sarah McDade

Little did I imagine that taking my teenage son to Caron in 2006 would evolve into a nearly two-decade affiliation with this life-saving organization. Before making that first phone call to Caron I was spurned by many health professionals as I sought help for my son’s addictions to alcohol, marijuana, and other substances. From that first phone call I realized that Caron knew how to help young people, and that to them, I was a normal client! That was a huge relief!

The kindness and dignity with which I was greeted at the Family Education Program proved to be an enduring hallmark of Caron in all of my interactions over the years. When the Family Support Groups started I combined them with my Al Anon program to stabilize my own recovery. I even started several Caron groups in the Maryland/Virginia area. After all, non-Caron family members also need support and education about this baffling disease.

In time I met Roger Hoff, this year’s honoree for the DC Richard J. Caron Award. Roger and I are good friends because I know him to be a person who cares deeply about saving people from the depths of addiction. It’s been my honor to recommend him to families who need interventionists or recovery coaches. Roger, in turn, recognizes the value of the Caron Support Groups, as he often calls me to help family members.

The Caron DMV Support Groups are also being honored this year at the October 15th Gala in Arlington, Virginia. Please join me in celebrating Roger Hoff and the Groups. I will be among many of my favorite people. If you can’t join me in person please consider making a donation to Caron to help further its mission of saving lives.