Opinion

Family spurs Walk Against Substance Abuse

Posted July 13, 2009 11:00 pm

By Vicki Foley Guest Columnist

Chris Foley's sister Val Kommu, left, and his mother, Vicki Foley, will speak about his drug addiction at a rally following Chris' Walk Against Substance Abuse. Courtesy of Vicki Foley

Each weekend thousands of people take to the streets of our communities, walking and running to raise money for charities. Every one of them has found a cause to believe in, a bit of hope through helping. And every one of them has a reason for being there.

Today, Vicki Foley of St. Charles discusses her son's drug addiction and overdose. The experience prompted her to start Chris' Walk Against Substance Abuse, which supports the Geneva-based Hearts of Hope support group. The walk is Saturday, July 18, in Aurora.

My son, Chris Foley, began experimenting with drugs in high school and in his senior year had progressed to heroin. It was heroin that took his life on July 17, 2007, at the age of 27. He was dearly loved by family and friends and continues to be missed.

As Chris battled his addiction for 10 years, in and out of rehabs and numerous incarcerations, our family learned much. Substance abuse, whether it be alcohol or drugs, is a disease, just like cancer or diabetes. People don't choose to become addicts and once the addiction begins it is a lifelong struggle for the addict, the family and loved ones.

I knew this addiction would be hard to conquer but I never gave up hope. My love and support were constant. Chris could always count on me. We had a good relationship, even though it was certainly strained and tested by his addiction. I will always miss his hugs and teasing.

At one point during Chris' addiction I attended a support group where I met the women who started Hearts of Hope in Geneva. They are a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public on substance abuse and providing support. See their Web site, heartsofhope.net.

Several members of the group attended Chris' visitation. It touched me deeply. They became a tremendous support and I envisioned myself working with them in the future.

As we approached the one-year anniversary of Chris' death, my nieces asked me about conducting a walk in his memory.

We had the first Chris' Walk Against Substance Abuse on July 12, 2008, at East Aurora High School with Hearts of Hope becoming the beneficiary of the funds we raised. The first walk was attended by roughly 100 people. The day was filled with support, laughter and tears.

I am fortunate to have a strong Christian faith without which I could not have made it through these years of Chris' addiction and the grief following his death. My faith continues to grow and I have been given a ministry to be a support for other families.

I am also blessed to be a grandmother to Chris' daughter, Caylee, and I cherish the time we spend together and enjoy sharing the many memories of her dad.

This year's walk is on Saturday, July 18, at East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the walk at 9 a.m., followed by the rally 10 a.m. Speakers are Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez; Lea Minalga, founder of Hearts of Hope; Chris' sister, Val Kommu; and myself.

There is no entry fee for the walk, but we are encouraging walkers to collect pledges. However, if you would like to just walk or can attend only the rally, we welcome that also. You may get information, register to walk or donate at chriswalk.net. You also can contact us through the Web site. No donation or pledge will be considered too small.

Chris' Walk Against Substance Abuse aims to raise awareness about drug use and addiction while raising money for Hearts of Hope. Courtesy of Vicki Foley

Vicki Foley treasures the time she spends with her granddaughter, Caylee. When they're together Foley tells her stories of her son, Chris, the dad Caylee will never know. Courtesy of Vicki Foley

About 100 people walked in the inaugural Chris' Walk Against Substance Abuse in 2008. Courtesy of Vicki Foley

Chris Foley died of an overdose 10 years after he started using heroin. Courtesy of Vicki Foley

Because drug addiction affects entire families, Chris' Walk will benefit Hearts of Hope, a family support group and information resource. Here, Chris, right, in happier times with his dad, Larry, brother, Robb, sister, Val, and mother, Vicki. Courtesy of Vicki Foley

Chris' Walk Against Substance Abuse Why: To educate the public about substance abuse and to raise money for Hearts of Hope support group in Geneva When: Registration at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 18; walk at 9 a.m., followed by rally 10 a.m. Where: East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora Cost: Free, donations encouraged Info: <a href="http://www.chriswalk.net" target="new">chriswalk.net</a> or <a href="http://www.heartsofhope.net" target="new">heartsofhope.net</a>

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