Running The Marathon, In A Positive Direction

Robin Moyer Chung reports on culture, and more, for “06880.” She writes:

On the morning of December 7, 1967, Westporter Marie Fitzsimmons woke up and, after years of hard drinking, made the decision to never drink again.

Four years later, her brother died of alcoholism.

Back then people were largely dismissive of alcoholics. Fitzsimmons says, “People felt weakness was a sin, a moral issue.” Those who drank excessively were an embarrassment to friends and family, so the affliction was ignored.

She took immediate action — 12 years before Betty Ford opened her own clinic.

For 10 years, without compensation or help, she raised funds, counseled individuals, and managed its administration.

Over 50 years later, Fitzsimmons’ organization — now Positive Directions — continues to offer professional therapy and substance abuse counseling to anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay.

As a non-profit, the organization relies on individuals, businesses and others for support. This year, they found an intriguing way to do that.

Positive Directions was selected to be a charity partner of the New York Marathon. 

Brian McGarvey and former Staples High School track star Cam Gaylord — both Westport residents — and Gianna Affi all ran the marathon for their first time. Using it as a fundraiser, they collected over $19,000 for Positive Directions.

From left: Brian McGarvey, Cam Gaylord, Gianna Affi.

By raising awareness of mental health, PD normalizes and de-stigmatizes the need to receive services that save lives, both physically and emotionally.

By training and running for a marathon, Brian, Cam and Gianna did a lot for their own physical and emotional health too. To learn more about Positive Directions — including programs and services offered, and how to donate — click here.