A San Antonio man is recovering from the longest stretch of his life. Kenneth Anderlitch went to DC and ran to San Antonio while touring several capitol cities and national parks along the way to spread an important message for parents struggling with addiction; I can beat him.

Anderlitch fled 1,800 miles to spread the word, in partnership with the non-profit organization, Haven for Hope. The organization gives San Antonio families another resource to help accomplish this and allows parents to care for their children while they continue to recover from addiction. It’s called Families in Recovery. The program will first receive referrals from Child Welfare Services or a specialist tribunal, then they will be screened and a plan will be created for their needs. There are housing and direct care plans for families and ongoing support for recovery throughout the program.

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“Why not have that opportunity for some people who really need to make sure they’re with their family as a whole,” he said. “Because that’s all we’ve got, right?”

The mission itself lasted 42 days. Anderlitch, with a team of people, traveled through extreme conditions and even witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

“I think Kentucky was hit pretty hard, Tennessee was pretty hard. I saw some FEMA trucks going by,” he said.

However, Anderlitch said the trip was worth it after meeting families who shared a similar path.

“That was the rewarding part,” he said. “Not only do they meet runners, but people who have been active in recovery and education and doing the business.”

Anderlitch has faced his own personal battle with addiction and advises that it’s not a battle people should do alone.

“It wasn’t until I became completely vulnerable that I realized I couldn’t do this alone and I had a problem,” he said. “That pure honesty that I had with myself put me in a place to be helped.”

So far, the race has raised nearly $50,000. If you would like to help the new Haven for Hope program, click Here.