As a person in recovery from substance addiction (since 2004, one day at a time) Yassine Diboun knows how "dark" life can get sometimes. He experienced the long nights awake using chemicals, trying to numb the pain, feeling hopeless and reckless. The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing, unprecedented crisis among those experiencing substance use and mental health disorder felt, for many, like a darkness from which they would never emerge. But we can — we must — find ways to see the light, and hope for better days ahead. Yassine felt compelled and motivated to continue his work in helping people find a way out of the darkness and, in partnership with the Alano Club of Portland, has turned again to an outlet that has provided respite and rejuvenation for Yassine and so many others: running. Last December, on the darkest day of the year (December 21, Winter Solstice), Yassine and a dedicated few ran from sunset to sunrise in an inspiring effort to raise awareness about the many programs the Alano Club offers. Now, as we hope the darkest days of the last eighteen months behind us, we'll be moving through light.
What is the Project? This mission is about using Yassine's passion for long distance "ultra" running as a vehicle dedicated to raising funds and awareness for programs offered at the Alano Club of Portland. The fundraising campaign (which will run from June 7-28) will allow us to continue our offerings into 2022 for programs such as: The Recovery Gym, Run TRG, The Recovery Toolkit Series, Artists in Recovery, and more. These programs have proven to be healthy outlets for those in or seeking recovery; a "light" out of the darkness, if you will.
The campaign revolves around a marathon/half-marathon Yassine and others will be running to celebrate their recovery on Sunday, June 20th, Summer Solstice, the day of the year in which the light shines longest on us.
Your generous gifts will help the Alano Club continue to provide free, invaluable supports to those in or seeking recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. We are so grateful for our community, and for the continued support and inspiration provided by people like Yassine Diboun, who continue to show us the way through darkness into light.