Mom’s ongoing recovery from alcohol addiction inspires daughter to fundraise

By Ron Giofu

Meaghan Marton is running competitively again and doing so with a purpose.

Her next race, the Burlington Chilly half-marathon is coming up March 5 and she is using the race as an opportunity to fundraise for the House of Sophrosyne.

Her mother Elaine recently completed a five-week program at the House of Sophrosyne.

The House of Sophrosyne states it is “an addiction treatment center for women and their families. We offer a holistic approach in treating women and their families for substance misuse through evidencebased practices.”

Meaghan said she ran when she was a student at General Amherst High School and the University of Windsor but took a seven-year hiatus.

“In 2019, I ran a marathon for the first time,” she said, noting it was a fundraiser for Charlotte’s Freedom Farm.

Meghan added she started training competitively on a regular basis near the end of 2021 and decided to raise money in conjunction with running distance races. She also is accomplishing running goals, including qualifying for the Boston Marathon thanks to her performance last year in a marathon in Nova Scotia.

Meaghan also founded the concept of “Run For a Reason (FAR)” and originally tried to raise $250 for House of Sophrosyne. When more money started coming in, the goal was raised to $1,000.

As of last Saturday, Meaghan had raised $677.

“It’s kind of cool,” she said. “I can run and raise money for a good cause.”

By helping to raise money for the House of Sophrosyne, Meaghan said it helps keep the programming to a minimal cost for women who need to enroll.

“I don’t want to just raise money for them, I want to raise awareness,” she said.

Elaine said people who suffer from addiction are often ashamed to admit their issues. The House of Sophrosyne is not just about one addiction, but many addictions, she added.

Recovering is “a hard job,” she continued, and that people need support.

“I’m very overwhelmed,” Elaine said of her

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Pastor Maynard Hurst 519-736-4110 daughter’s fundraising efforts. “Words can’t explain what she’s doing.”

Elaine said after she hit rock bottom, she went into recovery and decided to help people. She said her alcohol addiction came on gradually.

“You think you can handle it and you don’t have a problem,” said Elaine. “With self-isolation and being embarrassed to go out in public, the drinking intensifies.”

Elaine credits her family and friends for helping her cope with her addiction. Going through the House of Sophrosyne helped her get the tools she needs to handle the issue on an ongoing basis.

“It’s a journey,” Meaghan added. “It’s been hard at times.”

Meaghan added when her mother graduated from the program in early February, she walked out with more self-esteem and self-worth.

“I’m really proud of her for taking those steps,” she said.

“It was like school all over again,” said Elaine of her experience at the House of Sophrosyne. “It was very structured.”

People can donate directly to the House of Sophrosyne’s website or to Meaghan’s GoFundMe page, found by searching “Running FAR: She Believed She Could So She Did.”

Meaghan estimated she has raised $20,000 for various causes over the years. She plans on continuing with other charities as well, including when she runs the 30K “Around the Bay” race later this year.

“My plan is to raise money with most of my big races,” she said.