CUDAHY – Walking 500 miles is no easy task, but that’s exactly what Greg Studzinski plans to do when he walks from Lake Superior to Cudahy.
“Yes, it will be a challenge,” said Greg.
But Greg dealt with his addiction and recovery step by step.
“I went through divorces and business closures and things like that that I didn’t deal with very well, so I struggled with substance abuse for the last 10 years,” Greg said.
TMJ4, Adriana Mendez
For Greg, who has been addiction-free for ten years, this march is part of his healing process, but it is also intended to raise funds for the United Community Center, a place that he says has helped him get his life back on track.
“There are so many great people there and I wanted to do something for them, just to say thank you, but also to help the customers who come after me,” Greg said.
United Community Center is the only bilingual/bicultural substance use disorder treatment program in Wisconsin and offers a variety of substance use disorder treatment options, from inpatient treatment to individual counseling to outpatient services.
“We have an entire team that provides excellent support services,” said Mara Lovo, UCC’s director of human services.
Mara said she was proud of Greg and his resilience. She also said she was shocked to hear he ran 500 miles for UCC.
“I just thought, ‘Wow! You know, it’s a long journey, but you can see that it’s been a long journey for him too,'” Mara said.
The money raised will ensure that other addicts continue to receive care, including mothers who need a little extra support.
This isn’t Greg’s first time walking to raise money for a nonprofit. In August 2022, he walked from Green Bay to Cudahy, raising money for Milwaukee’s Street Angels along the way.
“They helped me a lot when I was addicted,” Greg said.
Unlike last time, however, Greg says he learned a few things. He has a plan and support system for after the march. He said this time, the march is not his whole recovery, but a part of it.
Watch: Man wants to run 500 miles for the United Community Center
Cudahy man runs 500 miles to support United Community Center
“It’s like the TV is off. I just thought: What now? What’s next? And when I relapsed, I realized it was because I wasn’t there. So I’m very, very dedicated to my recovery. I haven’t missed a single meeting in the last seven months. Why this walk? I try to go to a meeting every night – 19 meetings in 19 days,” said
The days are planned in a folder, with meetings and physical maps, just in case the cell phone’s GPS doesn’t work.
“I have paper copies,” Greg said.
He also enlisted the help of other members of the recovery community to help design the logo and flag.
Although the road will be difficult at times, Greg said he refuses to give up.
“Don’t give up. I tried for six years. And each time I learned something.”
And he hopes that others will continue their path to recovery – one step at a time.
“You’ll figure it out eventually. Just keep trying,” Greg said.
Greg said the walk will also help him mentally.
The walk ends in Sheridan Park and he hopes others will join him along the way.
To learn more about Lake 2 Lake 500, click here.
To support Greg’s run for the United Community Center, click here.
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