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August 19th 1981 I ran away from The Meridian Home for Girls in Royersford Pa to the Streets of Fort Lauderdale FL.
June 11 th 2011 I am Walking Home
I am Sandra Huffman and I am walking 1300 miles from Fort Lauderdale to Washington DC and then to Philadelphia to Celebrate National Recovery Month and my 5 yrs Clean and Sober.
Sowing a trail of mustard seeds to cultivate messages of hope, healing, and recovery to victims of Addiction,Abuse and Homelessness. “Sandra’s Walk” will begin on June 11 th, 2011 on the Fort Lauderdale beach. I plan to arrive in Washington, D.C. by September 2011 to participate in DC-based Recovery Month activities as well as PRO-ACT’s Recovery Walks in my Hometown of Royersford & Philadelphia plus surrounding areas during the entire month.
My Substance issues started when I was a child. Adopted at birth in 1966 by parents who themselves had struggled with chemical dependencies, My Step Father was a Doctor and had me on Ritalin and Donatol at the age of 7. I know I have been an Addict since the age of 7 because I remember “sneaking: down to get more because I liked the feelings the medication gave me. I was on the street as a teen and later again as an adult late in my addiction. I struggled for over 30 years with Substance Abuse and the world that goes with it, and now at 44 I am going on 5 yrs clean/sober I will be walking and talking Life Recovery at Shelters and Recovery Centers all along my 1300 mile Journey up the East Coast of the United States. So, how did I manage to beat the statistics and fully recover from nearly Thirty + years of multiple chemical dependencies? Long-term treatment and continual involvement are essential components of Recovery.
At the age of 38 I started going to jail and that is what saved my life. My first in-custody treatment during incarceration as deemed by court systems was only 30 days. This short time is inadequate in many cases. I being one of the many offenders who failed to fully detox during my initial 30-day treatment program and ended up back on the streets — and back in jail. The second and third offenses resulted in a 90-day treatment program which saved my life. This particular program provided more comprehensive treatment which included classes, speakers, spiritual support and fellowship meetings. I felt supported and loved and finally developed the strength and stamina that I needed to continue my recovery. “A mustard seed of hope was planted, I dove in with both feet and my whole heart… I could, I would recover. I knew it was going to be hard.”
Upon completion of the program, I admitted myself into a Christian halfway house. I went back to every public agency I ever misused in the past and regained their confidence in me and and successfully fought to reclaim custody of my children. I began advocating the importance of long-term treatment by helping to organize benefit concerts and walks, spreading my message in public forums and telling my story on the radio and in newspapers. “I publicly fought for the program that saved my life. I got involved and stayed involved. I was given a mustard seed 5 years ago and now I have several. I choose to share these seeds with my brothers and sisters,
During my walk, I will visit institutions, homeless shelters, recovery centers where I will spread the message of hope through public speaking engagements and participation in fellowship meetings. I will then proceed to Royersford, PA to officially express my appreciation and support to the Meridian Home for Girls by presenting a check funded by public donations. I will also distribute a portion of the contributions to the approximately twenty organizations that helped me through my recovery. And there is my Dream of opening a 3/4 Sober Living Home for Parents in Recovery that have a minimum of 6 months sobriety. They will live with their children for one full year in a 12 Step Sober Environment to continue Recovery of the entire Family. This will be called “Fenwick Guest House” I plan to raise one million dollars before my journey ends. I enthusiastically welcome monetary donations of any size, as well as toiletries and sneakers and I am presently looking for an RV and camping equipment to house myself and also the Documentary Crew from Garnet Productions of Miami that has asked to film the Walk and the Months of preparation that has gone into it. We are raising funds to support our responsibilities while on the road by making Handmade Mustard Seed Necklaces These are $13.00 and, handmade by myself and my Sisters in Recovery. These necklaces hold charms that convey words of inspiration as well as mustard seeds of hope. For every necklace sold, I will donate a matching necklace to someone in need of hope at one of the shelters or institutions that I will visit during my 1,300 mile trek. Actual Monetary Donations made on the Sandraswalk.org Website are 100% Tax Deductible as our Fiscal Sponsor is The In The Rooms Foundation a full supported 501(c)(3) Not For Profit Official Sponsors are intherooms.com, Rockers in Recovery and The 12 Step Music Fest in The Keys Please follow this 1300 Mile Journey of Hope this summer on sandraswalk.org InTheRooms.Com, Facebook and Twitter
Good for you, I wish I could join you….
Love you Les!!! Ya Nutcase lol !! Well ya never know where I will end up huh??
WOW Sandy, GREAT website!!! I just read everything, not even meaning to. You’ve really outdone yourself. You’re really an insperation to me and I’m sure many others. I’m very proud of you. You’ve overcome soooo many obsticles and still are. Keep up the good work. You make me want to go to Washington with you, lol. Love u xoxoxo
I love you so much Tiff if you only knew!! See ya at work and gonna give ya a big ole Hugg when I do !!
Great Job so far Sandra!!! I will have to wait to read it all tomorow… I need sleep! Love you, wish I was able to do something like this!!! With you all the way girl!
Missed you at Bingo last night Caren!! I have stuff you sure could help me with if you would like too? You inspire me with all that you have been through and you continue to fight!! God Bless you Babe!!
I loved reading your blog. The vintage photos were great! I wish you all the best with this endeavor, and I will be there for the final mile and finally be able to hug you in person!~
Laurie You are always are right there every time I get involved in something and supporting me every step of the way…
What makes you even more special is that we have never met face 2 face, just online and I am so looking forward to seeing you in DC and hugging that beautiful neck of yours!!!
Like your story and your journey.
Do you have fliers?
As you know I live in Southern California. Go to meetings in many cities and also when I visit my daughter in Philadelphia. Soon I will be going up the coast to San Francisco. Am going to Vegus in the Spring.
Been looking for a way to be of service. To pay it forward.
I think you have given me that way. Make a flier that I can take where ever I go and I will let the world know about your journey to Washington DC.
I think that there are lots of us out there who would do this. I would even take it to Area meetings. Not just NA but all the other addictions. We are all in this together.
Sandy
Sandy you are so wonderful to offer you time to be of service to our common cause!! Yes I will send you some fliers as soon as they are done next week, just send me your address sandrahuffman75@gmail.com ! Love ya Babe !
Hi again
Fun Birthday Party.
Wanted to tell you I like your picture. You look so healthy.
Great updates! Your honesty is remarkable and I can feel your pain–past and present. At least today’s pain is caused by someone else (your trainers!) and is voluntary…
Man-O-Man are they tough or what?? I have about 7 months to train and when I think about John’s walk and he only trained for 2 months ! WOW I just don’t know how he did it!!
Sandra, You are my hero! If the opportunity presents it self I would love to walk with you! Stay safe and let your Higher Power be your trainer! Peace! John
John your walk is what inspired me in the first place!! I would be honored to walk with you and can’t wait to see An American Walkabout when it is done!!
Great updates Keep them coming
Thanks Jeff & Great to see you here! And yes updates are coming as fast as I can get material together!!
Amazing! Bless You, Sandra for all you are doing! Great site & all the very best to you for what you are giving by doing this!!
Oh wow Mi ! So happy you came to see our site & Thanks!! See ya around ITR & come here now and again to see what is new!!
You have transformed your life and everything in it. I am so proud of you and blessed have you touch my life. You are an inspiration to me and now you can touch so many more lives by paying it forward. You are an angel on earth!!!! I love you and support you 100%. Thank you for being you!!!
Gosh Kristy ya know writing that paper with you really opened up a lot of my memories.
I actually think you started the wheels in my head turning again, It gave me a time line to follow and stuff just came pouring out.
I have gone over and over the one I did and the paper you wrote from it several times. ( we deserved that A huh!!)
It really helps when I am going to speak and I am going to use it to put a power point together!!
Love you so much Thanks!!
I’m just stopping in to wish you lots of luck on this journey. May God be with you pushing you along. I’m a friend of Teresa. I will be praying for you and cheering you on. Good luck. The sky is not the limit…theres foot prints on the moon. GO GO GO!!!!
Thanks Edwin Give her a HUGE HUGG from me will ya?? Perhaps we will meet when we get up that way next year !!!!
Hey Sandra, Getting a few things lined up that will enable me to be involved with this walk in a small way. Just keep telling me what needs doing and I’ll do what I can. I really like this whole walk and talk thing. It just feels REAL, Catch ya later honey.
I see you found the comment tab! lol!! It is getting to be a very REAL event! I am just amazed at how many people are stepping up and adding their voice to ours! Love ya Babe and your support means so much to us!!
Sandra, your journey is one of hope. I have substance abuse all around me, and while I personally have not fought that demon, it has effected me my whole life and is a HUGE part of my family story. When I read of your light bulb going off, it gives me hope. When I read of your struggles, it gives me courage. When I read of your hope, it gives me chills. Thank you. I pray for you and hold you in light, laughter and love. I am honored to read your stuff.
This is exactly what drives me Gail are comments like yours and the others here and on intherooms.com & FB also. You would be hard pressed to find someone that has not been affected by these issues, just kinda hard to fight the stigma and silence that surrounds us huh? I just pray that one person who is on the brink will read something and it helps them take just that first step…
Thank you….
Hi Sandra, looking forward to reading more about your pilgrimage. That is a mission! Might want to watch for spam in your comments.
Would hate to see your blog over run by spam. Mike Logan
So far no spam thank goodness!! lol!! Thanks Mike for your Support!!
just wanted to say what your about to do is a wake up call for America, i will try and make another Contribution sometime around christmas. I have also sent out a message to one of the groups i am involved with on a website that has 5,000 members and have encouraged folks to check it out. I will be with you in spirit when you walk. And will be having the other group which is about 2,000 strong praying for you and asking Our Lord for guidance and His Protection. God bless thanks!! steve
Wow Steve you are AMAZING & Thank You so much!! I pray for you also Honey and healing begins with the Heart…One day, One Step One Mile at a Time!!
Wow!!! Thats a BIG pay it forward girl!! Let me know when you come through S.E. GA. I’ll walk that 15 miles wit ya,or show you some spots you might be interested in, with police escort lol. No seriously let me know what I can do to help in anyway ! God bless ya (((((((Sandra))))))) luv ya!!
Bob..ummmm..Let’s skip the Police Escort? lol!! I will be honored to walk with you my Friend!!!
Good for you, Simply_Sandra. I hope you make it and get your sober living house open.
That is the plan Kathy and with the support we are gaining everyday brings us that much closer! Thanks!
Sandra you rock. Love and prayers travel with you every step of your journey. Will be with you in heart and spirit.
Good to see ya here lady!! Hope I see more of ya on ITR also!! Thanks!!
E Hara I te mea,No Nainei,Te Aroha,No nga,Tipuna,Tuku Iho E Tu Ku Iho:And these tree Remain-Faith,Hope And Love,But the greatest of these is love. Hiya Sanda,Blessings from way down under the world -Aotearoa,land of the long white cloud..New Zealand,It was a previlage to have read your story,great inspiration and one to be well respected of …Kia Kaha-Be strong,Kia toa-stand tall,Kia manawanui-be of good courage
Well Hello Jesse!! What a Beautiful way to see those words written. When I was in jail we were shown a movie called “Once were Warriors”. Such a powerful film and it was made in New Zealand. I will never forget, and it is one of my favorites….
Such a Blessing the internet is and I am still amazed at how it can bring us together from across the globe!! Peace to you!!
Wow…that’s a long way to walk. Make sure you message your feet at every stop and have a couple pairs of good walking shoes too. I wish you all the best in your venture. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Good luck to you and your daughter. You WILL make it. God speed. Have a happy thanksgiving to you and family.
Thanks Sherrie & Yes plenty of massages on our TO DO list!! We have Non Friction Socks and Camel Back H2O Back backpacks for Hydration!!
We will be doing a lot of beach walking on our way up the Coast and really looking forward to that!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours also!!
So you doing actually walking, don’t I wish. I have had arthritis for while now? I wished that I would have done more when I could? I salute you & your friends for your efforts. I wished I could do something this outstanding, Your an INSPIRATION to everyone everywhere? I will be checking in soon. OK!
Hi Deb & Thanks for your Support! Yes we are walking the entire way! There are still things you can do in your own Community to make a difference just look around and talk to different people about what they are doing. I am sure someone could use some of your time!! Peace Sister!!!
Hi Sandra
Happy Thanksgiving!
I have a lot to be thankful for this year.
Finally got custody of my grandson. As you remember California wouldn’t let me have him because of my criminal background. Good thing is that I won’t have social services hovering over us.
I am thankful that I am clean and sober and have my family in my life. That I have great friends who honor and respect me.
I have GOD right here with me in this journey that I am taking. I believe he will keep me going in the sad parts that are coming with Scarlett.
Will off to get that great boy of mine.
Thank you God
Thank you, I always need more tools for my life cause. I’ll stay in touch. God Bless you now and through your walking event. You will undoubtably receive many miracles along the way!
Tools are the keys to freedom Leslie..Never forget to keep going back to keep them sharp!! Thanks for your support!
Sandra. I also am a recovering addict who lost my kids. I will have 5 years in April. I grew up in Broward County and now live in Allentown, PA. I regained custody of 2 of my kids but my son has been adopted and I rarely get to see him. I think what you’re doing is amazing. We do recover and we do help others recover.I just want to thank you for what you’re about to do and wish you Godspeed. How would one donate to your cause? Thanks again and God bless you as I know He already has. Mary
Hi Mary! Yes we can and do recover and help others to do the same. Funny that I ran from Royersford and ended up in Broward and you came from here and ended up in Allentown! It is amazing what we can do when just one person believes in our journey, I believe in yours and will pray that when you son comes of age he will seek you out and life will come together as it was meant to be!! Doanting is easy if you use the PayPal Button on our homepage or mail to the address listed here! HUGE HUGZ!!
Dear Sandra — What an amazing journey you will be undertaking! What an amazing heart you both have! Love and Light, Marie
Hey Marie showing my Daughter what it is like to give back to so many is quite a task I tell ya! But she is an amazing kid and while yes, she struggles with peer pressure and has made some mistakes she jumped right on board when I asked her to this with me….just amazes me all the time….
Your so special and thoughtful. I pray that you will continue this for a very longtime, I believe that this will give people Faith, Inspiration, and make them Stronger in their FAITH of God & HIS teachings, AMEN to you & Your Family always!!!
Faith is all we really need…..The rest will follow…Thank You Deb…
You are on a worthy mission. However, I must point out that you have broken your anonymity if not others’ by posting your last name and picture on your website. I hate to be critical, but anonymity at the level of press, radio, film, TV and the internet is important to protect the integrity of all 12-step programs, in case the violator relapses, which I fervently hope you never do. Fame can be addicting, and for that reason alone we need to remain anonymous at all levels. Sorry, but that’s the way I interpret Tradition 12. N.W. sobriety date is 5-8-1972.
Thanks Norm I am posting your comments as a reminder to all that what you say is very true. I have spoken with many an old Timer from several different fellowships on how best to go about our walk and maintain Tradition 12.. They all said that as long as we do not mention any fellowship by name and follow the code in the Advocacy with Anonymity Handbook we can speak about Recovery anywhere…Thanks so much!
Don’t forget, walking on Interstate routes is forbidden; you’ll have to use state routes in order to avoid citations, or worse. Get professional help to map your journey. Best wishes, N.W.
Namaste My Friend…
Your story is amazing. How wonderful that you are taking on such a challenging endeavor. My best to you and be well. Thank you for your efforts!!
Hey Thanks Cathy! Love what your site is doing also!!
I would love to order two necklaces. I would also like to link your page with mine. Much love, April
PS: You can also find me on TMW with April C.
I was just listening to April and the Inspire Team!! LOL!!! Love you too April K and will get all our links up this week!
Do you know the exact scripture about the mustard seed? I would love to know it.
Of course we do It’s one of my favorites of all time. Thanks for posting this for a reminder. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK okay, Debra in Portland Oregon. YOU have my support in all your efforts.
Hi Sandra, I wanted to congratulate you for making the decision to share your story of inspiration and to do so while exercising. I recently finished a similar journey by running from Boston MA to Key West FL. I would be happy to discuss a variety of issues including what you can expect, my route, the physical demands, and setting some time aside for yourself.
God Bless!
Doug
That had to be an Amazing Journey & I look forward to talking with you more!!!
Hey there Sandy. Woke up and decided to visit Hello world. Now that I visited it’s time to go back to sleep. Nice to be able to be free and be able to read about your recovery and the Walk. See you soon. Thanks again for the mustard seed necklace. Its fun promoting the walk. Your friend in recovery. Sandy
Hey Sandra – Juzt wanted to drop a line and tell you how AWESOME the necklacez are… You are an inspiration, and KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!
YO Vizer I take it ya got em!! lol!! I am sooo Happy you like em!! Awesome concert here today you woulda freaking Loved It!!
Hey – Since you’re monitoring tha site, wanted to ask your permission to give you a “plug” on “facebook” and post ur link for my peepz…Who knowz – Maybe me amd some of ‘tha boyz’ will take a couple daze off, ride down, and meet you in DC…
Vizer…Anything you want Babe!!!
Good luck on ur journey ur a brave souL. Hope all works out for u stay safe sstay sober
Thanks that’s the Plan Man!!!
What an inspiration you are to me. I will be checking this site as well as your progress frequently.
Hi Val!! Great to see you here!!! Thanks and I will be posting more Blogs as we get closer to June..
You know I love pot, and I love beer, but I am totally sober, just because it completely stopped working for me.
I wish I had a “Like” button cause I would click it for this comment..lmao!! Well really that is how it happens for a lot of people…
I’am glad to see your taking the promises of GODS LOVE…….I will be following you on your journey ,GOD BLESS ………….
Thanks so much for following us. We look forward to spreading our message of Hope..
WOW! You are an inspiration and woman of worth….I am honored and grateful to have you a part of my recovery and a part of my life…I cannot find the words to say to you how I am feeling inside as I read your mission….I am in awe! Simply Sandra you are simply amazing!
Hi Megan Thanks and We are in this together and that makes me very Grateful to have you as part of my World of Recovery also..xoxo Sandra
WE All need to make sure that when we ask for HELP in RECOVERY it is there? I am grateful for all the People that helped to get me SOBER & Clean today and tomarrow too. WITh LOVE WE CAN ALL STAND TOGETHER.
Sandra, great to see the progress! Keep going forward.
Why Hello Eric!! Yes we are making Great Strides and can’t wait to get out on the road!! Thanks for Stopping by!
Hi Sandra
I want to personally thank you for giving a Mustard Seed Necklace to anyone who donates to NTSA thru Firstgiving. “Her Grand Daughter only has a short time left and it breaks my Heart on a Daily Basis to watch her postings get sadder and sadder as Scarlett loses her Battle with this Disease… SO I have decided that if you Donate to NTSAD in Scarlett’s name I will send you one of our Necklaces…Cool?? Sandy will tell me the names and you send me your address..”
Thanks again
Sandy
Love you and Scarlett Sandy and just wish I could do more in some way to ease your pain…
Sandra, my Daughter & I just met you & Sassy coming out of the hotel this evening. I will pray every day for you to stay encouaged ,also for your & Sassy’s safety. Mike
Hi Mike ! Thanks for the response and the Prayers =) We always need those right?? Yes we are playing it very safe and try to take very few chances.. Just not worth getting hurt or worse just to gain a few more miles.. Never.. Please feel free to keep following us on FB & Twitter if you have those okay??
Hey Sandra! We met you yesterday at the roadside BBQ in Virginia. Good luck with the rest of your journey! You’re a great inspiration!
Hi Dan thanks so much, you are your family (including Molly) made for a nice afternoon.. When my friend made it home from MD we got over to his house and he has a small Dachshund named Homer so Sassy finally met up with another pup to play with she is sooooo happy!!! Perhaps we will see you again when we get to the Philly area