Honoring Scott: Jill Cichowicz on Community and Recovery
We're just going to be up on the Facebook page, probably right now or in the next minutes. Here at Mcshann, we believe in many things to support our mission. What I love most about what we believe here at Mcshann is: we believe in the authenticity of the peer to peer approach here at The Mcshann Foundation.
What does it take to transform a personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others? In this heartfelt episode of 'Get In The Herd', host John Shinholser sits down with Jill Cichowicz to discuss the fourth annual event, A Night for Scott. Created in memory of Jill's son, Scott, this event aims to shine a light on the opioid crisis and break down the walls of stigma surrounding addiction and recovery.
Jill opens up about her family's journey through the dark times of substance use disorder, sharing the profound impact it had on their lives. She stresses the importance of support and community, drawing from her own experiences to highlight how vital peer connections are in the recovery process. Jill's candid conversation with John touches on how childhood trauma can often lead to substance use disorders, underscoring the need for early education and preventive measures.
One of the most poignant moments in the episode is Jill's recounting of losing Scott to a fentanyl overdose. Her story is a powerful reminder of the urgent need for more resources and support for families grappling with addiction. She passionately encourages families to seek out support groups, emphasizing that connecting with others who have faced similar struggles can be incredibly healing. Throughout their conversation, both Jill and John underscore the importance of reducing the stigma associated with addiction.
Jill speaks about the isolation and shame her family felt and calls for more open and honest discussions about these issues. John echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that focusing on the individual's recovery journey rather than their substance use is crucial. The episode wraps up with a look at how A Night for Scott has grown over the years, evolving into a powerful community event.
Jill highlights how collective efforts can drive change and invites listeners to participate, whether in person or online. This episode of 'Get In The Herd' offers an emotional yet inspiring discussion on addiction, recovery, and the unyielding power of community support.