Marathon helps addicts recover one step at a time

Cory wakes up every morning grateful for another day of life. The 19-year-old didn’t have a near-death experience, but he did get a new lease on life when he kicked his drug habit two years ago.

The Palmer Drug Abuse Program in McAllen helped Cory, whose name has been changed to protect his identity and privacy, get past his addiction to cocaine, and the members of PDAP continue to help him and others with the daily struggle they go through as drug addicts.

The non profit organization was formed in 1971 in Houston to provide a safe place for drug abusers and their families to receive counseling and work through the problems. The McAllen operation has been serving the community for more than 20 years.

Donations, grants and money from fundraisers fuel PDAP, allowing the program to function in the two homes located downtown.

When Cory was first brought to the meeting for young drug users, it wasn’t his idea. He was 17 and out of control, and his parents drove him to the center.

“They had to lie to me to get me here,” he said.

Cory remembers the first time he got involved with drugs. He was about 13 years old and he was over at a friend’s house. His friend disappeared into the bathroom, and then emerged, sniffing and wiping his nose. Cory asked what he was doing – then Cory was introduced to cocaine.

“I didn’t think I had a problem,” he said. “I thought it was normal for every kid to sit around and do cocaine and smoke weed and not care about school.”

As Cory increased his drug use, the less he cared about anything else going on in his life. He would go home, hole up in his bedroom and crank up the music on his boombox to drown out the questions and concerns from his parents.

“Back then I didn’t really care what happened to me,” Cory said.

At first Cory was resistant to attend the meetings at PDAP, but his parents went with him and insisted he listen to what the counselors and other children had to say. After a few meetings, Cory went to PDAP more willingly.

“I was welcomed with open arms and hugs,” he said. “It was a place where I could go and not be judged.”

It’s been two years now, and Cory has graduated high school, got his first job working at a mass retailer and he doesn’t avoid his parents anymore.

Cory still attends meetings routinely because every day can be a struggle for a drug addict; however, Cory says it’s easier now.

“I take everything a day at a time,” he said.

Unlike the years when he abused drugs, Cory now has a plan for his future. He wants to be married in the next five years and have a successful career.

“I want to raise a family and just live life.”

And Cory has found the strength to help others who are working toward living a chemical-free life. Since he’s in recovery, he serves as a sponsor, or guide, for two others who have recently started the program.

“It makes me feel like I’m making a difference in someone’s life,” Cory said. “Like others have made in mine.”

THE FIESTA MARATHON

The fourth annual Fiesta Marathon, presented by TXU Energy, will take place Sunday, Dec. 13, in McAllen.

Featuring the “1 Mile Kids’ Race,” a five-kilometer run/walk, a relay marathon, a 26.2-mile marathon and a half-marathon, the event has consistently attracted crowds from throughout the Rio Grande Valley, Mexico, Texas and other states.

Proceeds from the marathon will benefit the Palmer Drug Abuse Program in McAllen.

Myssie Cardenas-Barajas, the executive director of PDAP, said this year specifically has seen an increase in numbers of people who need help and a decrease in funding.

“Everything in PDAP is donated,” Cardenas-Barajas said. “(The Fiesta Marathon) is going to be one of the biggest fundraisers for us.”

Last year, the Fiesta Marathon raised $12,000 for PDAP, and the event had more than 1,200 participants.

Expect to see volunteers from PDAP on the sidelines cheering on the runners and handing out water at the water stations.

Participants of the race will receive a one-year subscription to Inside Texas Running magazine and food and beverages will be provided. Those interested can register online, or attend an expo on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the McAllen Convention Center between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The race, which is a Boston Marathon qualifier, will begin at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at the McAllen Convention Center, located at 700 Convention Center Blvd.

For more information on the Fiesta Marathon, visit www.fiestamarathon.com or call Veronica at (956) 821-9569.