5K Run in Somerville Sunday Fights Addiction

SOMERVILLE, MA - When her son Ryan died, Cathy Harrington wanted to turn something bad to something good.

In 2011, after Ryan lost a 10-year battle with addiction Cathy organized a foundation in his name raising tens of thousands of dollars to contribute to youth hockey, the city’s recreation department, Pop Warner football and others.

However, as the stigma of addiction has lessened over the years, Cathy and the Ryan Harrington Foundation are increasing their visibility and activism around addiction. Last year, the foundation organized an appearance by former Boston Celtic Chris Herren, a well known anti-drug speaker. This Sunday, June 12, the Ryan Harrington Foundation is organizing its first five mile run starting at Blessing of the Bay boathouse at 32 Shore Drive at 10 a.m. and a fun run for kids at 9:30.

The event is dedicated to Sean Curtis, a Somerville man who died in March. “This has helped us keep Ryan’s memory alive. By helping others we feel better,” Cathy Harrington said. “If we can help just one family not go through what we went through it’s worth it.”