More than 3,000 people walked through Eddystone recently to make others aware of the devastation caused by drug overdoses, writes Anne Neborak for the Daily Times.

At least five people join the Overdose Awareness Foundation each day due to the loss of a loved one who died from an overdose or an addict seeking help.

“The message from the turnout was loud and clear: No one is immune to this disease,” wrote Neborak. “Loss of children, parents, friends, brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews: all were remembered. Some were able to celebrate overcoming addiction and give hope to families.”

According to Neborak, the names of those who lost their battle to drugs were written on T-shirts. Families came together traveling distances to remember a loved one and walk to bring home the message that drugs steal away lives.

Upper Darby Police Chief Superintendent Michael Chitwood was there to speak. As he surveyed the crowd, it confirmed his conviction, saying that “if you sell dope you belong in jail; if you do dope you need help.”

“I figured a couple hundred people would be here,” Chitwood said. “You see how many people this affects. No family is immune from addiction. This turnout shows it.”

Click here to read more about the walk for overdose awareness in Eddystone from the Daily Times.