Participant: Brian Redditt

Personal Statement

I have been hanging around the recovery community in Ithaca for the past 26 years and have made many friends as well as acquired many trusted advisers throughout that period of time, most of which frequent 518. The other day I was thinking about how blessed I am to have so many wonderful people in my life and came to the realization that since 518 opened, I've spent more time in that building than any other place in my life other than home and work. That is why I felt obligated to take the plunge when asked to participate in the Chill Challenge.
I absolutely hate the cold (I'm snuggled in my electric blanky as I write this) and I put on a parka and a knit hat anytime the temperature goes below 50 degrees. Having said this I would like to think that voters will show me mercy and on New Year's Day I will be watching the event on shore, in my car, with the heat turned up as high as it will go. I know that's not the way these events work however and am not feeling very optimistic about staying dry.
Despite my pessimism, I want to urge all voters to support me in my plight to stay warm while enjoying the Chill Challenge at the expense of all the participants that go in the water. When the results are in however, I will comply with what ever the voters choose, knowing that it's a small price to pay for what 518/ICR and the people that make it happen have given back to me and others.
I work at a local inpatient addictions treatment center and have worked with many people, for many years, that now frequent 518. Most everybody has a loved one, friend, or acquaintance that has been impacted by addiction, however I believe very few people understand that there are millions of people in recovery and leading happy, productive lives. 518 is a very valuable resource for people beginning the recovery process as well as for those that are in long term recovery. Please join me and the other participants by donating what you can to keep 518 up and running. If you're in any way familiar with 518 and the hundreds of people that that go there day in and day out, imagine what the city of Ithaca would be like if they all spontaneously went to the bar, crack house, shooting gallery, or doctor shopping all at once. It would be mayhem!
Enough of my ramblings! See you on New Years Day! Brian R.