The damp weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits this weekend during the second annual Healing Strides Recovery Walk and the last event for the Islip Goes Purple initiative that lasts throughout September.

Participants met on Saturday morning at East Islip Marina Park, where they would walk or run from the park through Bayview Avenue and return to the parking lot.

Vice president of Uplift Brentwood and event organizer, Herbie Medina, shared that the walk itself honors all who have succumbed to substance abuse and demonstrates the community’s endless support for those who are struggling with addiction.

“As we walk, let us honor the story of those who have bravely faced their struggles and emerged even stronger,” he said. “Let us remember those still in the fight and those we have lost along the way.”

Although the rain was due to stop prior to the event, Mother Nature had different ideas. Before the walk commenced, everyone took refuge under one of the many tents belonging to organizations that distributed information on addiction and mental health. These organizations included Youth Enrichment Services (Yes), Outreach, and COMHPS (Community Mental Health Promotion and Support). People manning the Islip Goes Purple tent handed out T-shirts to all, providing an extra layer of protection from the harsh wind on the marina.

As the walk was gearing up, Medina stood under the Outreach tent to begin the opening ceremony. He started off by thanking everyone for coming out despite the weather. He shared that it was heartwarming to see both old and new friends come together to celebrate resilience, hope, and the journey toy.

“This year, we continue that vital work, recognizing that recovery is not just a destination but a journey filled with ups and downs, victories and lessons learned,” he said. “Each step signifies our commitment to one another and fosters a community where healing is not just possible, but celebrated.”

After a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives due to addiction, the walk commenced. People of all ages made the trek, each step representing the transformative journey of recovery and emphasizing the impact of unity, support, and destigmatization of all aspects of addiction.

As the participants started trickling back to the start, they were invited to enjoy mocktails, snacks, and food from Zoe’s Wepa Pasteles food truck, known for its traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. However, the mocktails were the stars of the show.

Medina shared that the Coastal Kitchen and Daiquiri Bar had made three special mocktails for the event: Virgin Saturn, Hibiscus Arnold Palmer, and Beach Glass. He explained the benefits of mocktails for someone in recovery.

“Sometimes adults in recovery deal with temptation at gatherings, whether it be a bar or a pub or wherever alcohol is going to be present, and it can feel a little intimidating,” he added.”

A mocktail, he explained, can help ease that temptation, especially in social environments—and of course, no hangover the next day.

New York State Sen. Monica R Martinez (D) was also in attendance. She shared that currently, she has a bill that she is waiting for the governor to sign, which would allow fentanyl strips to be included in every Narcan kit.

“If we come together as a community and provide those resources, there is hope,” she said. “We also need to stop the stigma; we need to break that cycle. It’s okay to ask for help; it’s okay to look for those resources.”

Towards the end of the event, Medina and his friend, Louis, bravely took the stage and shared their testimonies.

Louis was the first to speak. He shared anecdotes from his childhood, how his environment shaped his life, and the factors involved with his addiction. Louis’s time in prison began his road to recovery. During that time, he began to read the Bible, and the words within influenced him. He also mentioned how Medina and his platform have helped him.

“I think you have to be vulnerable and open with your life and your sufferings, so someone else can hear it, and they will share theirs,” he said.

Shortly after Louis shared this testimony, Medina took the stage to do the same. Beside him stood his wife, Candy, and their young son, holding a poster board. Written largely across the top was “My Road to Recovery.” Beneath were two columns: the left read “The Storm,” and written on the right was “Sunshine.”

On the left were photos from Medina’s active days of addiction and the start of his recovery. Also written were his emotions, such as guilt and anxiety. On the right were more recent photos showcasing how far he has come since his journey began and his feelings, such as joy and gratitude.

Like rain, recovery allows for cleansing, renewal, and growth. Raindrops can represent not only the steps taken this past Saturday, but also the steps millions of people have taken on the road to recovery.