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Published: Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012 / Updated: Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 02:16 PM

Help is a call or click away

I didn’t know Joe Davis. His sister Melissa Boyd told me that he was a remarkable guy. He loved nature and a hard day’s work, but most of all he loved his family.

I wish I had known Joe. He was only 28 years old when he died from an accidental drug overdose.

Joe managed his disease successfully for 18 months before he lost his battle. This disease often goes untreated because of the stigma, just like mental illness or alcoholism. Unfortunately, like many families, the Davis family didn’t know just how close help could have been at the Keystone Substance Abuse Services in Rock Hill.

After his death his sister decided to start running to cope with her brother’s death. Then Boyd and her family decided to start the first annual Joe Davis Memorial Resolution Run. It will be presented by Carolina Medical Center-Pineville Jan. 5 starting at 9 a.m. at Walter Elisha Park in Fort Mill. There will be a one mile fun race at 9:15 a.m. The 5K will be in the neighborhood behind the park. Sponsor tents will be set up in the middle of the park.

Oh, and don’t worry about getting cold. They will have heaters set up in areas to help everyone stay warm. Your participation in this race will directly benefit Keystone. Please join them and remember this very special man, Joe Davis. If you would like to get more information about this race call Melissa Boyd at 803-412-4972 or register on line at www.joedavisrun.com or Resolutionsrun5K@gmail.com. See you there.

If you have a loved one who is struggling with drug or an alcohol abuse problem, call Keystone. They can help. Reach Janet Martini, Executive Director, at www.keystoneyork.org.

In the wake of all that is happening around us it would be a good time for us to stop and take stock of what really is important to us.

Happy Holidays, everyone.

On another note: Learn to play Pickleball. An “Introduction to Pickleball” clinic will be held at the Complex on the Greenway. The clinic is for adults age 18 and over 1-3 p.m. for four consecutive Wednesdays starting Jan. 9. The cost is $ 3 per lesson for non-members and free to members.

Come out and try it. This may be the fastest-growing sport in North America. To sign up, call the Complex at 547-4333.