Running Film Screening Helps People Struggling With Addiction

So at last night's documentary screening and panel discussion about a running club for addiction recovery, I went on a 2-mintue soap box about how we've gotten it wrong as a society in how we treat addiction. The panel, held at the Lower Cape TV Station in Orleans, MA, followed the 48-minute film that Cannes named Best Student & Health Film in 2024. NBC Sports Boston’s Trenni Casey moderated the discussion that featured Catharina Armstrong, MD, who directs Newton Wellesley Hospital's Substance Use Disorder Services in Boston, Ashley Coffey who helps run the non-profit's junior programs, and my oldest son Jack who co-produced the film. In the Q&A, one guy from the audience said he wouldn't be here if not for Ashley. "This saved my life," Chris said. Laurie, a local woman, 59, found the event listed as a special AA meeting and walked over to watch and listen. “I don’t have a car and I’m looking for help,” she acknowledged. Laurie’s story resembles many - lost, hurting, in and out of addiction, searching. A video of the evening will be available soon. The film and panel are now touring schools and communities. You can watch an 8-minute preview of the film here.