Every Step Has a Story: SCI Staff Share Why They Walk

For five years, “Be the Bridge” has brought St. Christopher’s Inn together in a powerful show of hope, encouragement and support for recovery. As we approach September 20th, we asked colleagues at the Inn to share why they walk. Their reflections, first shared on social media, offer a glimpse into the compassion and deep commitment they bring to the Inn and the men we support every day.

“My walk is for my brother Carlos, who lost his battle with addiction on 8/4/2025. I wished he was still here so that I could tell him about this wonderful place I work at where he would probably be at right now getting help and finding himself.”

– Nidzaida, Admissions Nurse

“I walk the BE THE BRIDGE WALK to be an encouraging presence for our men at SCI and our loyal Alumni who so courageously journey to make positive changes in their lives. I also walk the bridge to join all the other supportive guests & friends who attend this wonderful event! This walk gives my heart inspiration and hope for the hundreds of men & women who journey the “walk for recovery” in order to heal their lives, to give them renewed LIFE & meaning to their recovery efforts. Inspiration! Hope! New Life! … and supportive companionship along the journey!”

– Denise, Admissions Coordinator

“Be the Bridge is an opportunity be part of something much greater than myself. It’s also quite different from when I walk in solitude. For on this day, I walk with men, women and children who are like minded, have come together for a singular purpose: to encourage those on the path to recovery; to remember those that have fallen short; to encourage those that need the Bridge but have not yet found their way out of the fog to begin that powerful and necessary journey toward peace; and for tranquility and a better life for themselves and their loved ones.”

– Al Pistone, Chief Executive Officer

“I walk to bring hope and optimism to people in recovery. It brings together those whose lives have been touched by addiction and creates a day filled with laughter, support, and hope. The energy of all the people involved motivates me to be a part of the process and continue supporting recovery. Walking across the bridge gives me a sense of freedom from the disease and reminds me and shows me how great life is today!”

– Erik, SUD counselor

“I walk the bridge every year to show gratitude. It is a meaningful way to celebrate National Recovery Month, recovery, build fellowship, and show support for those on their recovery journey. The walk brings together individuals, families, alumni, and community members in a spirit of hope and connection. It also gives me the opportunity to reconnect with alumni whom I do not get to see very often, allowing us to celebrate the progress they have made. The event serves as a reminder that St. Christopher’s Inn changed my life, my family’s lives, and the lives of so many families. I am truly blessed to be just one of those stories!”

— John, SCI’s counseling department

“While it started out as ‘I feel obligated to walk because I’m in a new job and I want to support the company that I work for,’ it turned into much more. I like being a part of something bigger than my regular day-to-day job. The money that we raise goes towards the lifesaving work that the SCI staff puts forth, and I feel like it is a meaningful way for me to support the men in recovery differently than in my facilities role. I like celebrating that recovery is possible. I’m proud to take part in it because of the encouragement that it promotes. I have gotten my children involved as well.”

– Hope, Director of Facilities