The following is the transcript of Andrew’s speech at NCPSG’s 10th Annual Addiction Awareness Vigil at 6 South Avenue in New Canaan, held on September 2, 2026. To view the video of his speech, just CLICK HERE. For a long time, I avoided my own feelings, and convinced everyone else I had it all together. Both seemed to work for

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the New Canaan Parent Support Group held its 10th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil in downtown New Canaan. Sadly, we had to postpone the event from Tuesday; this dashed our previous hopes for an all-out attendance record but not our optimism for a great event. Despite the rescheduling, a mid-afternoon shower, and threatening skies later

The following is the transcript of Maggie’s speech at NCPSG’s 10th Annual Addiction Awareness Vigil at 6 South Avenue in New Canaan, held on September 2, 2026. To view the video of her speech, just CLICK HERE. The last day I drank I woke up with the shakes again, already withdrawing from the days and nights before. The last day

We have combed through all the August 27, 2025 Vigil video footage taken by JB Sankara and NCHS film student Yanfer Martinez, and have released higher quality versions of the testimonials from the Vigil. Please click on the following names below to view the YouTube videos, which include the introductions by the speakers’ parents. Alex Smith, Gina Frazier, Pete Thunem

I am still on cloud nine after our successful Community Addiction Awareness Vigil, our 9th. I’m so grateful for everyone involved. Below is the Letter to the Editor, which was released on Tuesday, September 2. Dear Editor: On behalf of the New Canaan Parent Support Group and our co-Host New Canaan Community Foundation, I’d like to thank all those who

Here are answers to your questions about our New Canaan Vigil on August 27, 2025. Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions: [To track us heading into the Vigil, just go to ncparentsupportgroup.org/news.]

Following is Aidan’s 2024 Vigil Testimonial, word for word. To view the video of his speech click here. My name is Aidan, and I’m an addict.  I grew up in New Canaan, to a single mother.  Growing up I felt rather anxious, I didn’t have a lot of friends, and I got diagnosed with depression, anxiety and ADHD at a

We were touched by each of our speakers this year, at our 8th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil. Aidan, Cini and Ben each did an amazing job, each coming from a different background and each with their own individualized pathway to recovery. Aidan C. started off our speaker program, following a powerful introduction from Aidan’s mom, Jacqueline. Aidan’s testimonial, complete

It’s hard to believe, but we actually hit our stretch target of 500 people at our August 29th Vigil, on a beautiful evening at the corner of South Avenue and Elm Street. Our goal was to touch and inspire through the recovery testimonials, and we believe we succeeded with our recovery speaker line-up of Aidan C., Cini Shaw and Ben

Cini Shaw is an amazing person who, like me, has seen tragedy from addiction in her family. She is a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder, and is the Chief Recovery Officer at The Lighthouse Recovery Services in New Canaan. It is hard for me to keep up with all the qualifications she’s attained and the extensive training