Why I am Walking?
I am raising money for the Changing the Face of Addiction Walk on August 3rd 2019. Everyone knows someone that has struggled with addiction and my family is no different. I am excited to walk and raise money in memory of my brother. Please help me reach my goal for Team Joey Lavin. Everyone deserves a chance for recovery. Donate to Team Joey Lavin
A little bit about Joe…
Joe was unusual in that he always wanted help and was willing to accept any treatment recommended to him. He attended a program at Sunrise House in Lafayette when he was a senior at High Point High School. Joe was always grateful for that experience as he learned so much about himself, his depression and its effect on his childhood and his feelings of loneliness and isolation. Due to his depression, Joe did not feel the love of his family or his friends past the age of the onset of the disorder. His experience at Sunrise House changed that for him and he ultimately formed very close relationships with each member of his family.
On March 19, 2010 Joe entered a rehab in Deerfield Beach, Florida. His stay lasted 40 days. When he was informed that he would be discharged on April 26th, Joey was panic-stricken. He did not feel that he was ready to be on his own yet and requested a little more time. That time was not afforded to him as his insurance company would not cover any further in-patient care. Joey was discharged and dropped back at his apartment on the evening of April 26, 2010. By 9 pm on April 27th, Joe had relapsed. He called home the following day requesting advice. As advised, he returned to the rehab seeking assistance. Joe was still extremely intoxicated when he arrived at the rehab center. He was transported to a detox center as his alcohol level was so very high. That evening, he was dropped back home to his apartment. On April 29th, Joe called the rehab and asked if he could sign himself into the 6 month in-patient program. He was willing to give up his job, his apartment, anything to get well. Sadly, he was turned away due to lack of insurance coverage. Joseph Michael Lavin passed away 64 days later on July 2, 2010. The cause of death was determined to be acute alcohol intoxication coupled with the interaction of the consumption of oxycodone tablets. No one wanted help more than Joe yet he was denied the help and care he so desperately needed. Joey’s story is a compelling one that needs to be told in order to effect change for so many others like him!
Joe’s life was abruptly cut short but he led a substantive one. All who truly knew Joe would attest to his character. He was the personification of integrity, honesty, and loyalty. He possessed a phenomenal work ethic. His family was awed by the response to Joe’s passing by all who loved him here in New Jersey. If you were fortunate enough to be his friend, you knew you had found a “true” one.
Addiction is a very treatable disease and every person who seeks to be well, deserves the opportunity to obtain treatment.