Running for Recovery: Local Hero Embarks on 1,800-Mile Journey to Support Families Affected by Addiction

Running for Recovery: A Journey of Hope from Washington, D.C., to San Antonio

San Antonio is witnessing a remarkable journey fueled by determination and love. Meet Kenneth Jacob Anderlitch, a local hero who’s embracing the spirit of giving back through an incredible running adventure. This San Antonio native is not just hitting the pavement; he’s turning his struggles into a mission to support families affected by drug addiction.

Overcoming the Odds

Anderlitch’s story begins like many others, filled with hardships that eventually shaped his path of resilience. Starting as a teenager, he battled with drug and alcohol use, which culminated in a personal tragedy when he lost his mother to addiction in his younger years. The toll of addiction took its toll on him for years until he finally made the brave decision to get sober in 2016.

Reflecting on his past, Anderlitch shared, “It was anything I could put into a needle, alcohol, cigarettes, anything that I could. I took a lot from this world in my addiction. I got sober, and all I want to do is continue to keep giving back.” With this new lease on life, he is now pouring his heart into helping others navigate the tricky waters of addiction recovery.

A Mission Across States

With his fundraising goals ignited, Anderlitch embarked on a monumental 1,800-mile journey from Washington, D.C., back to his hometown of San Antonio. This mission is more than just a personal challenge; it’s a way for him to advocate for the Families in Recovery Program. This program is essential as it aims to keep families together while they heal from the impacts of drug addiction.

“A lot of the problems I saw were families wanting recovery and wanting to move forward with recovery but that fear of losing your kid,” he explained. “There was that barrier that stopped them. An excuse for them to not move forward with recovery.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with families trying to navigate treatment alongside their loved ones.

Tracking the Journey

Starting his journey on September 20, Anderlitch has already covered significant ground, currently making his way near Camden, Tennessee. As of October 9, he has run just under 600 miles and has set an ambitious goal to raise $50 for every mile he covers, totaling a target of $90,000. As of October 12, he has already raised $21,575!

“I never thought that I was going to be running halfway across America,” Anderlitch said with a sense of wonder. His motivation transcends his own experience, aiming to shine a light on families who have walked a similar path—or are currently facing their battles.

Stay Connected

Supporters and anyone interested in following Anderlitch can keep up with his inspiring journey through his Facebook page, where he shares updates and reflections as he runs towards his goal.

As he continues to put one foot in front of the other, Anderlitch embodies a message of hope, resilience, and the importance of community. His journey is a poignant reminder that even the toughest battles can lead to purpose, and through running, he’s not just changing his life, but the lives of many others in San Antonio and beyond.