The “Just One Run” 5k in Memory of James M. Pefine, a fundraiser that benefits those in recovery, took place last Sunday in Somerville. — Photos courtesy of the Ryan Harrington Foundation

By Jennifer Grimes

The fourth annual 5k adult race and walk bravely named “Just One Run” began at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 2. The three-mile loop started at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, snaked around the Mystic River, and crossed over the Wellington Bridge in Somerville.

The 5k was spearheaded by the Ryan Harrington Foundation, a community-based charity foundation dedicated to supporting those struggling with addiction.

The race is run in memory of a different community member each year, this year the 5k was held in memory of James “PJ” Pefine, an army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan but fell victim to the disease of addiction last year. This year, hundreds of people ran and volunteered for “Just One Run” in his honor.

Race coordinator by Cathy Harrington says, “The race provides a place for the family members to come, run, volunteer and be surrounded by those who are supporting the cause.”

Each year the Ryan Harrington Foundation fosters awareness and community support while also collecting donations in memory of those who have fallen victim to their addiction. Over the past four years “Just One Run” has raised roughly $40,000 in support of their cause.

The Ryan Harrington Foundation has given over 32 scholarships to those living in sober houses and donated their earnings to those who are moving out of rehabilitation programs into sober housing. The foundation provides two weeks’ worth of rent to those who have completed their rehab programs and are dedicated to their recovery.

The run is also funded by a number of sponsors such as the Cataldo Ambulance Service, Recovery Centers of America, and Banyan treatment center. Several sponsors including Banyan set up booths which supplied pamphlets, education, and information to those interested or in need. Additionally, members of the Cataldo Ambulance Service participated in the race and Harrington has seen over 100 first responders run each year.

“Just One Run” was given its named based on the core of the Ryan Harrington Foundation, which states on their website “If we can help JUST ONE individual find and maintain their recovery, we have succeeded. Everything starts with one.”

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, there is hope and there is help:

Banyan Treatment Center
(Michael Leggiero): (888)-595-1408
Community Outreach Help & Recovery
(617)-625-1600
The Ryan Harrington Foundation (Resources)
http://www.ryanharringtonfoundation.org/resources