My husband gave up his full time paying job as a Counselor to volunteer his time providing substance abuse education free to the people of Lee County Virginia, surrounding counties and other states in Central Appalachia to try to make a difference in the continuing battle against drug abuse. He has been instrumental in helping several young people on the path to recovery and establishing a residential treatment center called "New Beginnings, SWVA" for anyone, regardless of ability to pay. He continues to work long hours with a strong commitment to helping others find the road to recovery, despite his own failing health.

Larry, along with others, brought the longstanding issue of drug abuse to the attention of the community, law enforcement, medical providers, politicians and state and federal agencies with hope of eliminating the stigma of addiction and moving towards treatment rather than incarceration.

He gave up his job because he felt the need of the people who were dying from overdoses, in particular Oxycontin, was overwhelming and resources for help were limited or non-existent for people with no insurance or ability to pay in this rural community.

I have watched him give people back their self-worth and seen them return to the land of the living. Larry has helped addicts become reliable people who are working and taking care of their families - rather than in jail or dead which is where they were headed without his help.

Read More Hero Stories >