Recovery Made Possible

On this day—January 16, 2026—we mark three years since Chris’s passing. I write to honor his life and to remind us all that recovery is a journey, and it is work. Addiction, too, becomes work. It may not begin that way, but as it tightens its grip, it demands more and more, taking far more than it ever gives. Recovery asks for effort, honesty, and perseverance, yet the rewards reach far beyond what we can imagine: clarity, connection, purpose, and hope.

Chris understood this truth deeply. He knew the phrase often spoken in recovery spaces—jail, institutions, or death—and he knew how real that risk truly was. When Chris relapsed, he lost his life. His passing left a pain that words cannot fully hold. Yet his life, and the work he did in recovery, made a lasting impact on countless people. Even in his absence, that impact continues to ripple outward.

aaThe Harlan Serenity Foundation exists because of Chris’s commitment to recovery and his belief in meeting people where they are. He believed in the strength of 12-step programs, and he also believed deeply in the healing power of Wilderness Therapy. He understood that recovery is not one-size-fits-all—and that sometimes healing begins by stepping away from the noise and returning to what is essential.

Wilderness therapy offers something uniquely powerful. Removed from daily distractions and unhealthy patterns, young people are given the space to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and engage in honest reflection. Time in nature fosters resilience, accountability, and emotional clarity—cornerstones of lasting recovery. Research and lived experience alike show that wilderness-based programs can significantly improve outcomes by building confidence, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Chris’s legacy lives on through this work. It lives on in every young person given the opportunity to heal, in every step taken toward recovery, and in every life touched by compassion and support. Recovery is hard work—but it is worth it. And because of Chris, more young people have the chance to discover just how powerful that work can be.