Throughout this pandemic, Caron has kept our doors open to receive those suffering from substance use disorder who need our help. For those of you who have reached out to us seeking help for family members or friends - thank you for trusting us with caring for your loved ones. The changes we’ve made to keep our patients safe - including keeping visitors from campus - were (and still are) difficult because we understand that addiction is a disease of isolation and that connection keeps us well.
That's why it is with heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of the Alumni Reunion in Pennsylvania for 2020. Please know, we explored several possibilities for non-traditional ways to hold the event, including re-imagining schedules, changing the physical set up, limiting event tickets, and more. But ultimately, the health and safety of our current patients, who often struggle with compromised immune systems, and our staff, who need to remain healthy and well to take care of them, is paramount. Thank you to the many alumni, families, and friends who have supported the Alumni Reunion over the years; we look forward to bringing back the event – better than ever – in 2021.
Our staff members, along with some dedicated alumni, are looking forward to announcing some plans for several virtual events that will occur in lieu of our in-person celebration during the weekend of June 26 - 28. We look forward to sharing these details with you very soon.
I’ll be frank – this is not an announcement I wanted to make! The Alumni Reunion is a rich and vital part of Caron's history; a time-honored and symbolic part of our tradition. With each cancellation, postponement, and missed milestone due to this pandemic, our losses pile up. In a recent blog article, Caron Renaissance Therapist Megan Seidman explains: “Grief is a normal and healthy reaction to loss. There is a misconception that grief must be reserved for death or the loss of something that is somehow ‘worthy’ of being grieved. In reality, it's possible to experience grief over the loss of anything, especially when we lose something that threatens our sense of self.” Click here to read the full article.
The loss of normalcy and routine are weighing heavy on all of us. If we don’t honor our losses and allow ourselves to experience the resulting grief, we can become trapped in negativity, unable to grow and move forward. I know it is hard, but I challenge you to push through the loss – because beyond that, we find glimmers of new beginnings.
Caron is here for you and your family - I encourage you to lean in and to fight to maintain your connection, even if you find it in nontraditional spaces. I have been truly inspired by the online recovery communities that are springing up across the country, and the creative ways they are building and maintaining relationships. The Alumni Department is hard at work on our own “new beginnings” by developing virtual events and meaningful ways to stay connected with you. Some of the events we are exploring include Virtual 5Ks, online Trivia Nights, and Open Mic nights. Get connected with your Alumni and Family Coordinator to find out what’s going on in your area.
And, as always, if you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and need help, Caron is here. You can contact the Alumni Department anytime at alumni@caron.org or reach out directly to our 24-Hour Admissions Line at 800-678-2332.
