Gov. Charlie Baker to Attend 'Rise Up Against Addiction' Boston 5K Run/Walk

Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the devastation the disease of addiction causes families, will continue its national campaign, "Rise Up Against Addiction" in Boston on Saturday, October 28 at Franklin Park Playstead. This event is part of Shatterproof's "Rise Up Against Addiction 5K Run/Walk" series across the country, uniting local communities to support those who have lost a loved one to addiction and to celebrate those who are living in recovery today.

Notable attendees include CEO & Founder of Shatterproof, Gay Mendell; Governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker; Executive Director at Grayken Center for Addiction, Michael Botticelli; Medical Host of CBS Boston, Malika Marshall; Police Commissioner of Boston, William B. Evans; Medical Director of the Substance Use Disorder Initiative and Addiction Consult Team at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Sarah Wakeman; Hall of Fame Former Patriots Star, Andre Tippett; Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon at Orthopedic Surgical Associates in Lowell, Dr. Scott Sigman, and more. Additionally, the Boston Department of Health and Boston's Police and Fire Department will have representation at the "Rise Up Against Addiction" Boston 5K to show solidarity and support.

"At Shatterproof, we're committed to igniting conversations around addiction in an effort to raise awareness and end the stigma around this disease," said CEO & Founder of Shatterproof, Gary Mendell. "Millions of people in Massachusetts alone are affected by substance use disorder, and we are excited to bring the Rise Up Against Addiction movement to this city to rally the community together and foster a sense of strength and support rather than shame."

Participants are invited to register and run/walk 5 kilometers from Franklin Park Playstead to bring the disease of addiction into the forefront of a national conversation. Shatterproof CEO & Founder Gary Mendell will kick off the event with a speech at the beginning of the program and will be joined by elected officials, special guests, and local families impacted by this disease.

Guests will have the opportunity to engage in activities geared towards bringing the community together and promoting positive change. Highlights include: The Shatterproof Community Village, which showcases substance use disorder resources from local organizations; The Memorial Gallery, features photos and stories of lost loved ones; a Celebrate Recovery space to unite with hundreds of others in recovery; and more.

"Curbing the devastating grasp this epidemic has had on the Commonwealth, it's communities and families, requires every level of focus and support to reduce substance use and save lives," said Governor Charlie Baker. "Our administration has been committed to increasing prevention, treatment and recovery programming in Massachusetts, and is pleased to have partners like Shatterproof also working to raise awareness and overcome addiction."

Visionary sponsors of Shatterproof's Boston "Rise Up Against Addiction" campaign include Choice Hotels, Cigna, GOODWIN, Hilton Worldwide, Pacira Pharmaceuticals, and Wyndham. Platinum sponsors include LaSalle and Loews. Gold sponsors include HEI Hotels & Resorts, Jones Lang LaSalle, Marriott, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Wells Fargo. Silver sponsors include Four Seasons Private Residences - One Dalton and Indivior. Bronze sponsors include Chubb, Kaleo, and Vineyard Vines. The media sponsor for the Boston "Rise Up Against Addiction" is CBS - 4WBZ.

"After years of battling the effects of addiction, I have made it my personal mission to educate others about this disease and help find a solution to end its traumatic effects," said Executive Director at Grayken Center for Addiction, Michael Botticelli. "I'm honored to be standing together with Shatterproof at its Rise Up Against Addiction 5K Run/Walk in Boston to share my story and show others that recovery is possible."

The "Rise Up Against Addiction" campaign kicked off with its first 5K Run/Walk in Kansas City on June 11, 2017, with successful 5K Run/Walk events following in New York City on Sunday, October 1, and in Washington D.C. on Saturday, October 21. The final "Rise Up Against Addiction" 5K Run/Walk will take place in Atlanta on Saturday, November 4. Every dollar raised supports Shatterproof's advocacy efforts, provides trusted, evidence-based resources for families, and ends the stigma of addiction.

"I've been an orthopedic surgeon in the Boston area for over 20 years and I continue to see the devastating impact opioids can have on patients struggling with addiction," said Dr. Scott Sigman, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic Surgical Associates in Lowell. "Since surgery has become an inadvertent gateway to opioid addiction, it's critical that patients and doctors discuss effective non-opioid options available for pain management. Through an open dialogue between the doctor and patient and the work of organizations like Shatterproof, we are hopeful that the reliance on opioids decreases in the years ahead."

Event Details:
Boston, Saturday, October 28, 2017
Franklin Park Playstead
Pierpont Road, Boston, MA 02119

Future 5K Run/Walk Events, Atlanta
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Piedmont Park at The Meadow
10th Street NE & Charles Allen Dr., Atlanta, GA 30309