Race to fund addiction recovery

NORWALK — A charity race happening next month will raise money for a local nonprofit that helps people pay for addiction recovery. The Fresh Start Charity 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run is scheduled for 10 a.m. on April 25 at the Norwalk Reservoir, Shelter 4. Proceeds will support the Russell Bouchard Addiction Recovery Fund. The nonprofit was founded by Norwalk resident Sandy Mesenburg, who created the organization in memory of her brother, Russell Bouchard. He died from an overdose in 2017 at age 39. Bouchard Photo provided by Russell Bouchard Addiction Recovery Fund Mesenburg formed the fund in 2020 to help people cover the cost of addiction treatment and connect them with recovery resources. Previously, Mesenburg said her brother's addiction began after he was prescribed OxyContin following a back injury. "He wound up getting addicted to it," she said. The Russell Bouchard Addiction Recovery Fund helps community members pay for inpatient treatment and supports them as they move into outpatient programs or transitional housing. The organization also connects people with recovery programs and support networks. Event details Participants in the April event can choose between a 5K race and a 1-mile fun run. Organizers say free T-shirts will be available for participants, and medals will be awarded to top finishers. Snacks will be provided at the finish line. All proceeds from the event will go toward the recovery fund's efforts to assist people seeking treatment. Mesenburg said the goal of the organization is simple: make sure people seeking help are not alone. "I would like to see that there are no community members left behind," she said. Registration for the event is available online through its page on Zeffy, which can be found by searching for the name of the event. Information about the nonprofit is available at rbrecoveryfund.net.