Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 12, 2025 Malden Overcoming Addiction & Bridge Recovery Center host annual Remembrance Vigil Special to The Advocate M alden Overcoming Addiction (MOA) and The Bridge Recovery Center hosted their annual remembrance vigil on August 31, 2025, in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day. This event — held for nearly a decade — brought together the Malden community to honor the lives lost to substance use disorder, offer support to those in recovery and promote awareness of the ongoing battle with addiction. The evening began on the steps of Malden High School, where family members and friends gathered to pay tribute to their loved ones who have died as a result of substance use disorder. MOA Vice President Dana Brown spoke to the crowd about the importance of coming together in community, acknowledging that each person had a deeply personal reason for attending the vigil. “I’m here because I believe in the strength and power of this community,” Brown said. “We stand together, not only to remember those we’ve lost but also to uplift those still fighting and those who are in recovery.” After a somber, candlelight walk down Salem Street and into the Malden High School Gallery, the program included guest speakers who shared heartfelt reflections on the themes of joy, loss and remembrance. Preston, Theresa and Renee spoke poignantly about their experiences within the community of recovery. Renee, though not personally in recovery, shared her powerful story as the wife of someone who battled substance use disorder. She spoke of the pain and toll it took on her and her children, but also of the precious memories made during times when her husband was sober and in recovery. “I choose to remember the good days, the moments when we were all together, sober and strong,” said Renee, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s these moments that give me hope for the future.” The vigil was marked by an especially moving moment when Natalja Sticco, a local, renowned singer, performed a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace” after names of the deceased were read aloud. After each name, a bell was rung by the Malden Fire Department, a solemn reminder of each life lost. A video stream in the background displayed photos of those being remembered. Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, Police Chief Glenn Cronin, and MOA President Paul Hammersley also spoke at the event, expressing their appreciation for the strong recovery community in Malden and the work of MOA in providing support for those affected by substance use disorder. “The strength and resilience of our community is evident tonight,” Mayor Christenson said. “We come together to support each other, to remember, and to lift up those who are still on their journey to recovery.” Following the vigil, attendees participated in a walk to Malden City Hall, escorted by the Malden Police Department. The group gathered at City Hall for a group photo before Pastor Gerry Whetstone led the crowd in a recitation of the Serenity Prayer. The evening concluded with Natalja Sticco singing “How Great Thou Art” and with words of gratitude from the MOA President. Special thanks to MOA Board Secretary Linda Cochran for spearheading the organization of the event and to all volunteers from the community, especially The Bridge Recovery Center. About MOA: At our core is a group of volunteers committed to making a difference. Our work is centered around helping people in the greater Malden community. Since 2013, we have continued to see success and growth in our work and remain steadfast in our mission to end the stigma of addiction. We are supporting people in recovery, providing them with access to services, and providing people who struggle with substance use disorder and their families with the information they need to make informed decisions about their lives. We do this work compassionately and with a relentless spirit of hope. We are MOA. For more information, visit our websites at https://www.maldenovercomingaddiction.com or https://www.bridgerecoverycenter.org or contact MOA President Paul Hammersley at 781838-2203.
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