One year after losing loved one to substance abuse, family wants to spread awareness

Family and friends of Tracie Williams said she was found dead at Johnstown’s Prospect Community one year ago, on June 9th, 2022, and they want to help others who could have similar struggles.

Tracie’s brother Trevon Williams said, “We just want to raise awareness and get the word out while also holding a celebration for a year of her being gone, and just to celebrate and not grieve and not mourn.”

They said the Alternative Community Resource Program with substance abuse professionals is at the event to allow those struggling with abuse to get immediate help.

The family said they are sharing Tracie’s story and keeping her memory alive in a community they said she was well regarded in.

“If anyone needs prayed for, we have a prayer list going on,” Tracie’s friend Toccara Thomas-Smith said. “We'll have a candlelight vigil and we'll be lighting off balloons for the ones we've lost for substance abuse.”

Organizers said they hope to make this a yearly event.

“This is something that my sister would want. She was all for helping others,” Trevon Williams said. “She was just battling a tough fight and couldn't help herself, so it's all about just helping others.”

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfpLumediemKtlkZvBpr6MpaasoZ6ceq271Z6bZqeemnq1u4ysrJurpJa7pLGMmpmuq5Vis6K5yKWwZq%2BRo8G0edOoZKyoopqupXnAsJirnZ6awLQ%3D