STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
Proclamation
Whereas, there are 2.5 million New Yorkers who suffer from an alcohol, drug or gambling addiction and, among them, are thousands of New Yorkers who are living stories of long-term recovery from alcoholism, drug abuse and problem gambling, and who can help others by sharing their experiences; moreover, the lessons of these stories need to be echoed throughout our State and Nation to raise awareness and understanding about recovery; and
Whereas, recovery from the chronic disease of addiction is a complex and multifaceted process that involves not merely abstinence, but a lifestyle of health and wellness which further supports an individual’s efforts to build a life as a productive, contributing member of the community; and
Whereas, “Your Story Matters Day” is a day to recognize individuals in recovery who have struggled and worked hard to continue their journey of recovery, and to celebrate their recovery by proudly telling others how they came to be who they are today, as these powerful personal stories will help reduce the stigma so wrongly associated with addiction and offer hope to individuals who are dealing with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction; and
Whereas, each person has a singular history which reflects a lifetime of circumstances and experiences unique to that individual, and their legacy is written on pages from the past and drawn from events that have helped shape who they currently are, and “Your Story Matters” provides an opportunity for a person to celebrate their strength, progress and accomplishments which enabled them to overcome life’s challenges and, in doing so, further the recovery process; and
Whereas, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) launched the “Your Story Matters” campaign offering individuals in recovery and their loved ones the opportunity to tell their stories through the website www.iamrecovery.com; and
Whereas, every story matters, as they collectively foster and support the emerging recovery movement in New York State, and we encourage those in recovery to join this growing community and help show the world that recovery is possible – they can help spread the word that recovery is about regaining life, reuniting with loved ones, and living a healthy and productive life – and we find that each story can certainly change lives, and even save lives;
Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 4, 2009 as
YOUR STORY MATTERS DAY
in the Empire State and encourage all citizens to share their story and inspire hope, because it truly matters.
G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-ninth day of April in the year two thousand nine.
David A. Paterson
Governor
Lawrence Schwartz
Secretary to the Governor