Joe Davis Run for Recovery

This handsome young man is Joe Davis. His friends and family always say he was fun, full of life, kind, loving, and had a smile that melted your heart. He loved nature, a hard day’s work, and the joy each moment of life could bring. Most of all, he loved his family and friends and would do anything for them. He was a devoted son, brother, and friend. Joe passed away too early at age 28 from a disease that he battled from his youth—addiction. Recovery from addiction is a process and, unfortunately, it is a disease that cannot be cured. Joe managed his disease successfully for eighteen months before it took his life October 4th, 2009, when Joe lost his battle to an accidental drug overdose. Addiction is a disease suffered by many. It often goes untreated because of its stigma. Many battle it alone, unaware of resources available to them. As much as he was loved by his family and friends, their support and encouragement were not enough to overcome his disease and its associated problems. Joe would love to help others get the help they desperately need. As his sister, who loved him so much, it is my most sincere wish to honor his memory by helping others get the treatment they need for substance abuse and addiction. After Joe’s death, I started running as a means to cope with the profound loss we all suffered. I exercise for many reasons, but I mainly run in order to lead a healthy life free of addiction. This is the reason that I, along with my family, have decided to start the first annual Joe Davis Memorial Resolution Run. Joe’s personal motto was, "Hope...never lose this." It's not lost; you just have to find it. Unfortunately many families like ours are not aware of just how close this help is, right here in Rock Hill at Keystone Substance Abuse Services. Keystone is a local non-profit organization whose mission is promoting health, offering hope, and restoring healing to those impacted by substance abuse and addiction. Keystone is the York County authority on alcohol and drug abuse. All proceeds from the Joe Davis Memorial Resolution Run benefit Keystone. Please join us as we remember this special man, my brother, Joe Davis.

Sincerely,

Melissa Davis Boyd and The Davis Boyd Family